TGF-beta superfamily type I and type II receptor heteromultimers and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

In certain aspects, the disclosure provides soluble heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising an extracellular domain of a type I serine/threonine kinase receptor of the TGF-beta family and an extracellular domain of a type II serine/threonine kinase receptor of the TGF-beta family. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides soluble polypeptide complexes comprising an extracellular domain of a type II receptor selected from: ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides soluble polypeptide complexes comprising an extracellular domain of a type I receptor selected from: ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7. Optionally the soluble complex is a heterodimer. In certain aspects, such soluble polypeptide complexes may be used to regulate (promote or inhibit) growth of tissues or cells including, for example, muscle, bone, cartilage, fat, neural tissue, tumors, cancerous cells, and/or cells of hematopoietic lineages, including red blood cells. In certain aspects, such soluble polypeptide complexes are can be used to improve muscle formation, bone formation, hematopoiesis, metabolic parameters, and disorders associated with these tissues, cellular networks, and endocrine systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/143,579, filed Apr. 6, 2015. The disclosure ofthe foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has beensubmitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on May 31, 2016, isnamed PHPH080101_SL.txt and is 605,625 bytes in size.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily contains avariety of growth factors that share common sequence elements andstructural motifs. These proteins are known to exert biological effectson a large variety of cell types in both vertebrates and invertebrates.Members of the superfamily perform important functions during embryonicdevelopment in pattern formation and tissue specification and caninfluence a variety of differentiation processes, includingadipogenesis, myogenesis, chondrogenesis, cardiogenesis, hematopoiesis,neurogenesis, and epithelial cell differentiation. The family is dividedinto two general phylogenetic clades: the more recently evolved membersof the superfamily, which includes TGF-betas, Activins, and nodal andthe Glade of more distantly related proteins of the superfamily, whichincludes a number of BMPs and GDFs. Hinck (2012) FEBS Letters586:1860-1870. TGF-beta family members have diverse, often complementarybiological effects. By manipulating the activity of a member of theTGF-beta family, it is often possible to cause significant physiologicalchanges in an organism. For example, the Piedmontese and Belgian Bluecattle breeds carry a loss-of-function mutation in the GDF8 (also calledmyostatin) gene that causes a marked increase in muscle mass. Grobet etal. (1997) Nat Genet., 17(1):71-4. Furthermore, in humans, inactivealleles of GDF8 are associated with increased muscle mass and,reportedly, exceptional strength. Schuelke et al. (2004) N Engl J Med,350:2682-8.

Changes in muscle, bone, fat, red blood cells, and other tissues may beachieved by enhancing or inhibiting signaling (e.g., SMAD 1, 2, 3, 5,and/or 8) that is mediated by ligands of the TGF-beta family. Thus,there is a need for agents that regulate the activity of various ligandsof the TGF-beta superfamily.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In part, the disclosure provides heteromultimeric complexes comprisingat least one TGF-beta superfamily type I serine/threonine kinasereceptor polypeptide (e.g., an ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, andALK7 polypeptide), including fragments and variants thereof, and atleast one TGF-beta superfamily type II serine/threonine kinase receptorpolypeptide (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII),including fragments and variants thereof. In other aspects, thedisclosure provides heteromultimeric complexes comprising at least twodifferent TGF-beta superfamily type I serine/threonine kinase receptorpolypeptide (e.g., an ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7polypeptide), including fragments and variants thereof. In still otheraspects, the disclosure provides heteromultimeric complexes comprisingat least two different TGF-beta superfamily type II serine/threoninekinase receptor polypeptide (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII,and MISRII), including fragments and variants thereof. Optionally,heteromultimeric complexes disclosed herein (e.g., an ActRIIBALK4heterodimer) have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (e.g., an ActRIIBhomodimer and ALK4 homodimer). Novel properties, including novel ligandbinding attributes, are exhibited by heteromultimeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising type I and type II receptor polypeptides of theTGF-beta superfamily, as shown by Examples herein.

Heteromultimeric structures include, for example, heterodimers,heterotrimers, and higher order complexes. See, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, 15,16, 17, 18, 19. In some embodiments heteromultimers of the disclosureare heterodimers. Preferably, TGF-beta superfamily type I and type IIreceptor polypeptides as described herein comprise a ligand-bindingdomain of the receptor, for example, an extracellular domain of aTGF-beta superfamily type I or type II receptor. Accordingly, in certainaspects, protein complexes described herein comprise an extracellulardomain of a type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor selected from:ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII, as well as truncationsand variants thereof, and an extracellular domain of a type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor selected from: ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6,and ALK7, as well as truncations and variants thereof. Preferably,TGF-beta superfamily type I and type II polypeptides as describedherein, as well as protein complexes comprising the same, are soluble.In certain aspects, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure bind toone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,Müllerian-inhibiting substance (MIS), and Lefty). Optionally, proteincomplexes of the disclosure bind to one or more of these ligands with aK_(D) of greater than or equal to 10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁹, 10⁻¹⁰, 10⁻¹¹, or 10⁻¹². Ingeneral, heteromultimers of the disclosure antagonize (inhibit) one ormore activities of at least one TGF-beta superfamily ligand, and suchalterations in activity may be measured using various assays known inthe art, including, for example, a cell-based assay as described herein.Preferably heteromultimers of the disclosure exhibit a serum half-lifeof at least 4, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 72 hours in a mammal (e.g., a mouseor a human). Optionally, heteromultimers of the disclosure may exhibit aserum half-life of at least 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 20, 25, or 30 days in amammal (e.g., a mouse or a human).

In certain aspects, heteromultimers described herein comprise a firstpolypeptide covalently or non-covalently associated with a secondpolypeptide wherein the first polypeptide comprises the amino acidsequence of a TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide and theamino acid sequence of a first member of an interaction pair and thesecond polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of a TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide and the amino acid sequence ofa second member of the interaction pair. In other aspects,heteromultimers described herein comprise a first polypeptide covalentlyor non-covalently associated with a second polypeptide wherein the firstpolypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of a TGF-beta superfamilytype I receptor polypeptide and the amino acid sequence of a firstmember of an interaction pair and the second polypeptide comprises theamino acid sequence of a different TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide and the amino acid sequence of a second member of theinteraction pair. In still other aspects, heteromultimers describedherein comprise a first polypeptide covalently or non-covalentlyassociated with a second polypeptide wherein the first polypeptidecomprises the amino acid sequence of a TGF-beta superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptide and the amino acid sequence of a first member of aninteraction pair and the second polypeptide comprises the amino acidsequence of a different TGF-beta superfamily type II receptorpolypeptide and the amino acid sequence of a second member of theinteraction pair. Optionally, the TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide is connected directly to the first member of the interactionpair, or an intervening sequence, such as a linker, may be positionedbetween the amino acid sequence of the TGF-beta superfamily type Ireceptor polypeptide and the amino acid sequence of the first member ofthe interaction pair. Similarly, the TGF-beta superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptide may be connected directly to the second member ofthe interaction pair, or an intervening sequence, such as a linker, maybe positioned between the amino acid sequence of the TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide and the amino acid sequence ofthe second member of the interaction pair. Examples of linkers include,but are not limited to, the sequences TGGG (SEQ ID NO: 62), TGGGG (SEQID NO: 60), SGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 61), GGGG (SEQ ID NO: 59), and GGG (SEQ IDNO: 58).

Interaction pairs described herein are designed to promote dimerizationor form higher order multimers. In some embodiments, the interactionpair may be any two polypeptide sequences that interact to form acomplex, particularly a heterodimeric complex although operativeembodiments may also employ an interaction pair that forms a homodimericsequence. The first and second members of the interaction pair may be anasymmetric pair, meaning that the members of the pair preferentiallyassociate with each other rather than self-associate. Accordingly, firstand second members of an asymmetric interaction pair may associate toform a heterodimeric complex. Alternatively, the interaction pair may beunguided, meaning that the members of the pair may associate with eachother or self-associate without substantial preference and thus may havethe same or different amino acid sequences. Accordingly, first andsecond members of an unguided interaction pair may associate to form ahomodimer complex or a heterodimeric complex. Optionally, the firstmember of the interaction action pair (e.g., an asymmetric pair or anunguided interaction pair) associates covalently with the second memberof the interaction pair. Optionally, the first member of the interactionaction pair (e.g., an asymmetric pair or an unguided interaction pair)associates non-covalently with the second member of the interactionpair. Optionally, the first member of the interaction pair (e.g., anasymmetrical or an unguided interaction pair) associates through bothcovalent and non-covalent mechanisms with the second member of theinteraction pair.

In some embodiments, TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptidesare fusion proteins that comprise an Fc domain of an immunoglobulin.Similarly, in some embodiments, TGF-beta superfamily type II receptorpolypeptides are fusion proteins that comprise an Fc domain of animmunoglobulin. Traditional Fc fusion proteins and antibodies areexamples of unguided interaction pairs, whereas a variety of engineeredFc domains have been designed as asymmetric interaction pairs [Spiess etal (2015) Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. Therefore, a firstmember and/or a second member of an interaction pair described hereinmay comprise a constant domain of an immunoglobulin, including, forexample, the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin. For example, a firstmember of an interaction pair may comprise an amino acid sequence thatis derived from an Fc domain of an IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4), IgA(IgA1 or IgA2), IgE, or IgM immunoglobulin. For example, the firstmember of an interaction pair may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%,92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to any one ofSEQ ID NOs: 200-214. Optionally, a second member of an interaction pairmay comprise an amino acid sequence that is derived from an Fc domain ofan IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4), IgA (IgA1 or IgA2), IgE, or IgM.Such immunoglobulin domains may comprise one or more amino acidmodifications (e.g., deletions, additions, and/or substitutions) thatpromote heterodimer formation. For example, the second member of aninteraction pair may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOs:200-214. In some embodiments, a first member and a second member of aninteraction pair comprise Fc domains derived from the sameimmunoglobulin class and subtype. In other embodiments, a first memberand a second member of an interaction pair comprise Fc domains derivedfrom different immunoglobulin classes or subtypes. Similarly, a firstmember and/or a second member of an interaction pair (e.g., anasymmetric pair or an unguided interaction pair) comprise a modifiedconstant domain of an immunoglobulin, including, for example, a modifiedFc portion of an immunoglobulin. For example, protein complexes of thedisclosure may comprise a first modified Fc portion of an immunoglobulincomprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%,92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to an amino acidsequence selected from the group: SEQ ID NOs: 200-214 and a secondmodified Fc portion of an immunoglobulin, which may be the same ordifferent from the amino acid sequence of the first modified Fc portionof the immunoglobulin, comprising an amino acid sequence that is atleast 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group: SEQ ID NOs:200-214. Such immunoglobulin domains may comprise one or more amino acidmodifications (e.g., deletions, additions, and/or substitutions) thatpromote heterodimer formation.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising a type I and type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide, wherein the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an ActRIIA receptor. In some embodiments,the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising atleast two different type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide,wherein at least one of the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an ActRIIA receptor. For example, ActRIIApolypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to an ActRIIA sequence disclosed herein (e.g., SEQID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and 452).Optionally, ActRIIA polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of,or consist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a)begins at any one of amino acids of 21-30 (e.g., amino acid residues 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30) SEQ ID NO: 9, and b) ends at anyone of amino acids 110-135 (e.g., 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130,131, 132, 133, 134 or 135) of SEQ ID NO: 9. Optionally, ActRIIApolypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteins that furthercomprise one or more portions (domains) that are heterologous toActRIIA. For example, an ActRIIA polypeptide may be fused to aheterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain,optionally with a linker domain positioned between the ActRIIApolypeptide and the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments,multimerization domains described herein comprise one component of aninteraction pair. In certain aspects, heteromeric complexes thatcomprise an ActRIIA polypeptide further comprise at least one type ITGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, an ActRIIAheteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK1 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and464. Optionally, ALK1 polypeptides in this and other embodiments maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acid sequencethat is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one of amino acids of22-34 (e.g., amino acid residues 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, and 34) SEQ ID NO: 14, and b) ends at any one of amino acids95-118 (e.g., amino acid residues 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102,103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116,117, and 118) of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, an ActRIIAheteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK2 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421,422, 465, and 466. Optionally, ALK2 polypeptides in this and otherembodiments may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an aminoacid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one of amino acidsof 21-35 (e.g., amino acid residues 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35) SEQ ID NO: 18, and b) ends at any one ofamino acids 99-123 (e.g., amino acid residues 99, 100, 101, 102, 103,104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117,118, 119, 120, 121, 122, and 123) of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments,an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptideas described herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407,408, 467, and 468. Optionally, in this and other embodiments ALK3polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one ofamino acids of 24-61 (e.g., amino acid residues 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61) SEQ ID NO:22, and b) ends at any one of amino acids 130-152 (e.g., amino acidresidues 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141,142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, and 152) of SEQ ID NO:22. In some embodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470.Optionally, in this and other embodiments ALK4 polypeptides maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acid sequencethat is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one of amino acids of23-34 (e.g., amino acid residues 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34) SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83, and b) ends at any one of amino acids101-126 (e.g., amino acid residues 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121,122, 123, 124, 125, and 126) of SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83. In someembodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139,141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472. Optionally, in this and otherembodiments ALK5 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins atany one of amino acids of 25-36 (e.g., amino acid residues 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36) SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87, and b) endsat any one of amino acids 106-126 (e.g., amino acid residues 106, 107,108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121,122, 123, 124, 125, and 126) of SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87. In someembodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK6polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142,144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. Optionally, in this and otherembodiments ALK6 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins atany one of amino acids of 14-32 (e.g., amino acid residues 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32) SEQID NO: 34, and b) ends at any one of amino acids 102-126 (e.g., aminoacid residues 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112,113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and126) of SEQ ID NO: 34. Optionally, in this and other embodiments ALK6polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one ofamino acids of 26-62 (e.g., amino acid residues 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, and 62) SEQ ID NO: 91, andb) ends at any one of amino acids 132-156 (e.g., amino acid residues132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145,146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, and 156) of SEQ ID NO:91. In some embodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK7 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183,184, 405, 406, 475, and 476. Optionally, in this and other embodiments,ALK7 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that begins at any one of aminoacids 21-28 of SEQ ID NO: 38 (e.g., amino acids 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, or 28) and ends at any one of amino acids 92-113 of SEQ ID NO: 38(e.g., amino acids 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103,104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, or 113 of SEQ ID NO: 38).In certain aspects, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ActRIIApolypeptide further comprise at least one different type II TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, an ActRIIA heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ActRIIB polypeptide as described herein,including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and454. In some embodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an BMPRII polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456.In some embodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may further comprisean MISRII polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 50, 51,75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458. In someembodiments, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may further comprise anTGFBRII polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising a type I and type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide, wherein the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an ActRIIB receptor. In some embodiments,the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising atleast two different type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide,wherein at least one of the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an ActRIIB receptor. For example, ActRIIBpolypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to an ActRIIB sequence disclosed herein (e.g., SEQID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454).Optionally, ActRIIB polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of,or consist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a)begins at any one of amino acids of 20-29 (e.g., amino acid residues 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29) SEQ ID NO: 1, and b) ends at anyone of amino acids 109-134 (e.g., amino acid residues 109, 110, 111,112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125,126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, or 134 of SEQ ID NO: 1.Optionally, ActRIIB polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusionproteins that further comprise one or more portions (domains) that areheterologous to ActRIIB. For example, an ActRIIB polypeptide may befused to a heterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerizationdomain, optionally with a linker domain positioned between the ActRIIBpolypeptide and the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments,multimerization domains described herein comprise one component of aninteraction pair. Preferably, heteromeric complexes that comprise anActRIIB polypeptide further comprise at least one type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, an ActRIIB heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK1 polypeptide as described herein,including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In someembodiments, an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK2polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173,174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, an ActRIIB heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468. Insome embodiments, an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may further comprise anALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptideas described herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180,423, 424, 471, and 472. In some embodiments, an ActRIIB heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and474. In some embodiments, an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK7 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183,184, 405, 406, 475, and 476. In certain aspects, heteromeric complexesthat comprise an ActRIIB polypeptide further comprise at least onedifferent type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide. Forexample, an ActRIIA heteromeric complex may further comprise an ActRIIBpolypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100,102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. For example, an ActRIIBheteromeric complex may further comprise an ActRIIA polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451,and 452. In some embodiments, an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an BMPRII polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456.In some embodiments, an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may further comprisean MISRII polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 50, 51,75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458. In someembodiments, an ActRIIB heteromeric complex may further comprise anTGFBRII polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising a type I and type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide, wherein the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from a TGFBRII receptor. In some embodiments, thedisclosure provides heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising atleast two different type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide,wherein at least one of the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an TGFBRII receptor. For example, TGFBRIIpolypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to an TGFBRII sequence disclosed herein (e.g., SEQID NOs: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415,416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462). Optionally, TGFBRII polypeptidesmay comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one of amino acids of23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 or 51 of SEQ ID NO: 42, and b)ends at any one of amino acids 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150,151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164,165 or 166 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Optionally, TGFBRII polypeptides maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acid sequencethat is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a polypeptide that a) begins at any one of amino acids of23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40,41, 42, 43 or 44 of SEQ ID NO: 67, and b) ends at any one of amino acids163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176,177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190 or191 of SEQ ID NO: 67. Optionally, TGFBRII polypeptides of the disclosuremay be fusion proteins that further comprise one or more portions(domains) that are heterologous to TGFBRII. For example, a TGFBRIIpolypeptide may be fused to a heterologous polypeptide that comprises amultimerization domain, optionally with a linker domain positionedbetween the TGFBRII polypeptide and the heterologous polypeptide. Insome embodiments, multimerization domains described herein comprise onecomponent of an interaction pair. Preferably, heteromeric complexes thatcomprise a TGFBRII polypeptide further comprise at least one type ITGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, a TGFBRIIheteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK1 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and464. In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In someembodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175,176, 407, 408, 467, and 468. In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and470. In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK5 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472.In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may further comprisean ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In some embodiments,a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7 polypeptideas described herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309,310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476. Optionally,heteromeric complexes comprising a TGFBRII polypeptide may furthercomprise one or more additional type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptides, including, for example ActRIIA, ActRIIB, BMPRII, andMISRII polypeptides described herein (e.g., a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 46, 47, 50, 51,71, 72, 75, 76, 79, 80, 100, 102, 118, 120, 121, 123, 401, 402, 409,410, 411, and 412). In certain aspects, heteromeric complexes thatcomprise an TGFBRII polypeptide further comprise at least one differenttype II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, anTGFBRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ActRIIA polypeptideas described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409,410, 451, and 452. In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complexmay further comprise an ActRIIB polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453,and 454. In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an MISRII polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457,and 458. In some embodiments, a TGFBRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an BMPRII polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising a type I and type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide, wherein the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from a BMPRII receptor. In some embodiments, thedisclosure provides heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising atleast two different type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide,wherein at least one of the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an BMPRII receptor. For example, BMPRIIpolypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a BMPRII sequence disclosed herein (e.g., SEQID NOs: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456).Optionally, BMPRII polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins atany one of amino acids of 27-34 (e.g., amino acid residues 27, 28, 29,30, 31, 32, 33, and 34) SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71, and b) ends at any one ofamino acids 123-150 (e.g., amino acid residues 123, 124, 125, 126, 127,128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141,142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, and 150) of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71.Optionally, BMPRII polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteinsthat further comprise one or more portions (domains) that areheterologous to BMPRII. For example, a BMPRII polypeptide may be fusedto a heterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain,optionally with a linker domain positioned between the BMPRIIpolypeptide and the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments,multimerization domains described herein comprise one component of aninteraction pair. Preferably, heteromeric complexes that comprise aBMPRII polypeptide further comprise at least one type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, a BMPRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK1 polypeptide as described herein,including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In someembodiments, a BMPRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK2polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173,174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, a BMPRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468. Insome embodiments, a BMPRII heteromeric complex may further comprise anALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,a BMPRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180,423, 424, 471, and 472. In some embodiments, a BMPRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and474. In some embodiments, a BMPRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK7 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183,184, 405, 406, 475, and 476. In certain aspects, heteromeric complexesthat comprise an BMPRII polypeptide further comprise at least onedifferent type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide. Forexample, an BMPRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ActRIIApolypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120,151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and 452. In some embodiments, a BMPRIIheteromeric complex may further comprise an ActRIIB polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153,154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In some embodiments, a BMPRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an MISRII polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420,457, and 458. In some embodiments, a BMPRII heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an TGFBRII polypeptide as described herein, including,for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415,416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising a type I and type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide, wherein the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an MISRII receptor. In some embodiments, thedisclosure provides heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising atleast two different type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide,wherein at least one of the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an MISRII receptor. In some embodiments, thedisclosure provides heteromeric polypeptide complexes comprising atleast two different type II TGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide,wherein at least one of the type II TGF-beta superfamily receptorpolypeptide is derived from an MISRII receptor. For example, MISRIIpolypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to an MISRII sequence disclosed herein (e.g., SEQID NOs: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and458). Optionally, MISRII polypeptides may comprise, consist essentiallyof, or consist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a)begins at any one of amino acids of 17-24 (e.g., amino acid residues 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24) SEQ ID NO: 50, 75, or 79, and b) ends atany one of amino acids 116-149 (e.g., amino acid residues 116, 117, 118,119, 120, 121, 122 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146,147, 148, and 149) of SEQ ID NO: 50, 75, or 79. Optionally, MISRIIpolypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteins that furthercomprise one or more portions (domains) that are heterologous to MISRII.For example, an MISRII polypeptide may be fused to a heterologouspolypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain, optionally with alinker domain positioned between the MISRII polypeptide and theheterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerization domainsdescribed herein comprise one component of an interaction pair.Preferably, heteromeric complexes that comprise an MISRII polypeptidefurther comprise at least one type I TGF-beta superfamily polypeptide.For example, an MISRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK1polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171,172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. Insome embodiments, an MISRII heteromeric complex may further comprise anALK3 polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468. In some embodiments, anMISRII heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK4 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, for example, a polypeptide comprising,consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence thatis at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical toa sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178,403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromericcomplex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide as described herein,including, for example, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentiallyof, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selectedfrom SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and472. In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474.In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromeric complex may further comprisean ALK7 polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476. In certain aspects, heteromeric complexes that comprise anMISRII polypeptide further comprise at least one different type IITGF-beta superfamily receptor polypeptide. For example, an MISRIIheteromeric complex may further comprise an ActRIIA polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451,and 452. In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ActRIIB polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and454. In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an BMPRII polypeptide as described herein, including, forexample, a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, orconsisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected fromSEQ ID NOs: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456.In some embodiments, an MISRII heteromeric complex may further comprisean TGFBRII polypeptide as described herein, including, for example, apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK1 receptor. Forexample, ALK1 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK1 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464).Optionally, ALK1 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins atany one of amino acids of 22-34 (e.g., amino acid residues 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 34) SEQ ID NO: 14, and b) endsat any one of amino acids 95-118 (e.g., amino acid residues 95, 96, 97,98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112,113, 114, 115, 116, 117, and 118) of SEQ ID NO: 14. Optionally, ALK1polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteins that furthercomprise one or more portions (domains) that are heterologous to ALK1.For example, an ALK1 polypeptide may be fused to a heterologouspolypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain, optionally with alinker domain positioned between the ALK1 polypeptide and theheterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerization domainsdescribed herein comprise one component of an interaction pair. In someembodiments, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ALK1 polypeptidefurther comprise at least one different type I TGF-beta superfamilypolypeptide. For example, an ALK1 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, an ALK1heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and468. In some embodiments, an ALK1 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,an ALK1 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, and 472. In some embodiments, an ALK1 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34,35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In someembodiments, an ALK1 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305,306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK2 receptor. Forexample, ALK2 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK2 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466).Optionally, ALK2 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins atany one of amino acids of 21-35 (e.g., amino acid residues 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35) SEQ ID NO: 18, andb) ends at any one of amino acids 99-123 (e.g., amino acid residues 99,100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113,114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, and 123) of SEQ ID NO: 18.Optionally, ALK2 polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteinsthat further comprise one or more portions (domains) that areheterologous to ALK2. For example, an ALK2 polypeptide may be fused to aheterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain,optionally with a linker domain positioned between the ALK2 polypeptideand the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerizationdomains described herein comprise one component of an interaction pair.In some embodiments, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ALK2polypeptide further comprise at least one different type I TGF-betasuperfamily polypeptide. For example, an ALK2 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK1 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14,15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In some embodiments, anALK2 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and468. In some embodiments, an ALK2 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,an ALK2 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, and 472. In some embodiments, an ALK2 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34,35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In someembodiments, an ALK2 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305,306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK3 receptor. Forexample, ALK3 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK3 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468).Optionally, ALK3 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a) begins atany one of amino acids of 24-61 (e.g., amino acid residues 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61)SEQ ID NO: 22, and b) ends at any one of amino acids 130-152 (e.g.,amino acid residues 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139,140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, and 152) ofSEQ ID NO: 22. Optionally, ALK3 polypeptides of the disclosure may befusion proteins that further comprise one or more portions (domains)that are heterologous to ALK3. For example, an ALK3 polypeptide may befused to a heterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerizationdomain, optionally with a linker domain positioned between the ALK3polypeptide and the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments,multimerization domains described herein comprise one component of aninteraction pair. In some embodiments, heteromeric complexes thatcomprise an ALK3 polypeptide further comprise at least one differenttype I TGF-beta superfamily polypeptide. For example, an ALK3heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK2 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and466. In some embodiments, an ALK3 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK1 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In some embodiments, an ALK3heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK4 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404,469, and 470. In some embodiments, an ALK3 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK5 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 30,31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472. In someembodiments, an ALK3 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK6polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142,144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In some embodiments, an ALK3heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313,112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK4 receptor. Forexample, ALK4 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK4 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and470).). Optionally, ALK4 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentiallyof, or consist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a)begins at any one of amino acids of 23-34 (e.g., amino acid residues 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83, and b)ends at any one of amino acids 101-126 (e.g., amino acid residues 101,102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115,116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 126) of SEQ ID NO:26 or 83. Optionally, ALK4 polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusionproteins that further comprise one or more portions (domains) that areheterologous to ALK4. For example, an ALK4 polypeptide may be fused to aheterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain,optionally with a linker domain positioned between the ALK4 polypeptideand the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerizationdomains described herein comprise one component of an interaction pair.In some embodiments, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ALK4polypeptide further comprise at least one different type I TGF-betasuperfamily polypeptide. For example, an ALK4 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18,19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, anALK4 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and468. In some embodiments, an ALK4 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK1 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In some embodiments, an ALK4heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, and 472. In some embodiments, an ALK4 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34,35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In someembodiments, an ALK4 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305,306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK5 receptor. Forexample, ALK5 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK5 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and472). Optionally, ALK5 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentiallyof, or consist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a)begins at any one of amino acids of 25-36 (e.g., amino acid residues 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36) SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87, andb) ends at any one of amino acids 106-126 (e.g., amino acid residues106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and 126) of SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87.Optionally, ALK5 polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteinsthat further comprise one or more portions (domains) that areheterologous to ALK5. For example, an ALK5 polypeptide may be fused to aheterologous polypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain,optionally with a linker domain positioned between the ALK5 polypeptideand the heterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerizationdomains described herein comprise one component of an interaction pair.In some embodiments, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ALK5polypeptide further comprise at least one different type I TGF-betasuperfamily polypeptide. For example, an ALK5 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18,19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, anALK5 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and468. In some embodiments, an ALK5 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,an ALK5 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK1 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and464. In some embodiments, an ALK5 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In some embodiments,an ALK5 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313,112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK6 receptor. Forexample, ALK6 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK6 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and474). Optionally, ALK6 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentiallyof, or consist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a polypeptide that a)begins at any one of amino acids of 14-32 (e.g., amino acid residues 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and32) SEQ ID NO: 34, and b) ends at any one of amino acids 102-126 (e.g.,amino acid residues 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111,112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125,and 126) of SEQ ID NO: 34. Optionally, ALK6 polypeptides may comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acid sequence that is atleast 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to apolypeptide that a) begins at any one of amino acids of 26-62 (e.g.,amino acid residues 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57,58, 59, 60, 61, and 62) SEQ ID NO: 91, and b) ends at any one of aminoacids 132-156 (e.g., amino acid residues 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137,138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151,152, 153, 154, 155, and 156) of SEQ ID NO: 91. Optionally, ALK6polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteins that furthercomprise one or more portions (domains) that are heterologous to ALK6.For example, an ALK6 polypeptide may be fused to a heterologouspolypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain, optionally with alinker domain positioned between the ALK6 polypeptide and theheterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerization domainsdescribed herein comprise one component of an interaction pair. In someembodiments, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ALK6 polypeptidefurther comprise at least one different type I TGF-beta superfamilypolypeptide. For example, an ALK6 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, an ALK6heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and468. In some embodiments, an ALK6 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,an ALK6 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, and 472. In some embodiments, an ALK6 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK1 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14,15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464. In some embodiments, anALK6 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK7 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313,112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476.

In some embodiments, the disclosure provides heteromeric polypeptidecomplexes comprising at least two different type I TGF-beta superfamilyreceptor polypeptide, wherein at least one of the type I TGF-betasuperfamily receptor polypeptide is derived from an ALK7 receptor. Forexample, ALK7 polypeptides may comprise, consist essentially of, orconsist of an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an ALK7 sequence disclosedherein (e.g., 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183,184, 405, 406, 475, and 476). Optionally, ALK7 polypeptides maycomprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acid sequencethat is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a polypeptide that begins at any one of amino acids 21-28of SEQ ID NO: 38 (e.g., amino acids 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28)and ends at any one of amino acids 92-113 of SEQ ID NO: 38 (e.g., aminoacids 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106,107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, or 113 of SEQ ID NO: 38). Optionally, ALK7polypeptides of the disclosure may be fusion proteins that furthercomprise one or more portions (domains) that are heterologous to ALK7.For example, an ALK7 polypeptide may be fused to a heterologouspolypeptide that comprises a multimerization domain, optionally with alinker domain positioned between the ALK7 polypeptide and theheterologous polypeptide. In some embodiments, multimerization domainsdescribed herein comprise one component of an interaction pair. In someembodiments, heteromeric complexes that comprise an ALK7 polypeptidefurther comprise at least one different type I TGF-beta superfamilypolypeptide. For example, an ALK7 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK2 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466. In some embodiments, an ALK7heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK3 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and468. In some embodiments, an ALK7 heteromeric complex may furthercomprise an ALK4 polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., apolypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%,99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470. In some embodiments,an ALK7 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK5 polypeptide asdescribed herein, including, e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consistingessentially of, or consisting of an amino acid sequence that is at least70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequenceselected from SEQ ID NOs: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, and 472. In some embodiments, an ALK7 heteromeric complex mayfurther comprise an ALK6 polypeptide as described herein, including,e.g., a polypeptide comprising, consisting essentially of, or consistingof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, 99% or 100% identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 34,35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474. In someembodiments, an ALK7 heteromeric complex may further comprise an ALK1polypeptide as described herein, including, e.g., a polypeptidecomprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of an amino acidsequence that is at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171,172, 413, 414, 463, and 464.

In some embodiments, the TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type IIreceptor polypeptides disclosed herein comprise one or more modifiedamino acid residues selected from: a glycosylated amino acid, aPEGylated amino acid, a farnesylated amino acid, an acetylated aminoacid, a biotinylated amino acid, an amino acid conjugated to a lipidmoiety, and an amino acid conjugated to an organic derivatizing agent.In some embodiments, the TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type IIpolypeptides described herein are glycosylated and have a glycosylationpattern obtainable from the expression of the polypeptides in amammalian cell, including, for example, a CHO cell.

In certain aspects the disclosure provides nucleic acids encoding any ofthe TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type II polypeptides describedherein. Nucleic acids disclosed herein may be operably linked to apromoter for expression, and the disclosure further provides cellstransformed with such recombinant polynucleotides. Preferably the cellis a mammalian cell such as a COS cell or a CHO cell.

In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for making any ofthe TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type II polypeptides describedherein as well as protein complexes comprising such polypeptides. Such amethod may include expressing any of the nucleic acids disclosed hereinin a suitable cell (e.g., CHO cell or a COS cell). Such a method maycomprise: a) culturing a cell under conditions suitable for expressionof the TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptides describedherein, wherein said cell is transformed with a type I or type IIpolypeptide expression construct; and b) recovering the type I or typeII polypeptides so expressed. TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type IIpolypeptides described herein, as well as protein complexes of the same,may be recovered as crude, partially purified, or highly purifiedfractions using any of the well-known techniques for obtaining proteinfrom cell cultures.

In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for making any ofthe heteromultimeric complexes disclosed herein. Such a method mayinclude expressing any of the nucleic acids disclosed herein in asuitable cell (e.g., CHO cell or a COS cell). Such a method maycomprise: a) obtaining a cell that comprises a nucleic acid comprisingthe coding sequence for a TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide disclosed herein and a nucleic acid comprising the codingsequence for a TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidedisclosed herein; (b) culturing such cell under conditions suitable forexpression of the TGF-beta superfamily type I and type II polypeptidesdescribed herein; and c) recovering the heteromeric complex comprisingsuch type I and type II polypeptides so expressed. Heteromultimericcomplexes disclosed herein as crude, partially purified, or highlypurified fractions using any of the well-known techniques for obtainingprotein from cell cultures.

Any of the protein complexes described herein may be incorporated into apharmaceutical preparation. Optionally, such pharmaceutical preparationsare at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% pure with respect toother polypeptide components. Optionally, pharmaceutical preparationsdisclosed herein may comprise one or more additional active agents. Insome embodiments, heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise less than10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or less than 1% type I receptorpolypeptide homomultimers. In some embodiments, heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or lessthan 1% type II receptor polypeptide homomultimers. In some embodiments,heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%,5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or less than 1% type I receptor polypeptidehomomultimers and less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or lessthan 1% type II receptor polypeptide homomultimers.

The disclosure further provides methods and heteromultimeric complexesfor use in the treatment or prevention of various disease and disordersassociated with, for example, muscle, bone, fat, red blood cells, andother tissues that are affected by one or more ligands of the TGF-betasuperfamily. Such disease and disorders include, but are not limited to,disorders associated with muscle loss or insufficient muscle growth(e.g., muscle atrophy; muscular dystrophy, including Duchenne musculardystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral musculardystrophy; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and cachexia) and disordersassociated with undesirable weight gain (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetesor non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), cardiovasculardisease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, stroke, respiratory problems, andgall bladder disease). In some embodiments, heteromultimeric complexesdisclosed herein may be used to decrease body fat content or reduce therate of increase in body fat content in a subject in need thereof. Insome embodiments, heteromultimeric complexes disclosed herein may beused to reduce cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels in a patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show two schematic examples of heteromeric proteincomplexes comprising type I receptor and type II receptor polypeptides.FIG. 1A depicts a heterodimeric protein complex comprising one type Ireceptor fusion polypeptide and one type II receptor fusion polypeptide,which can be assembled covalently or noncovalently via a multimerizationdomain contained within each polypeptide chain. Two assembledmultimerization domains constitute an interaction pair, which can beeither guided or unguided. FIG. 2A depicts a heterotetrameric proteincomplex comprising two heterodimeric complexes as in FIG. 1A. Complexesof higher order can be envisioned.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic example of a heteromeric protein complexcomprising a type I receptor polypeptide (indicated as “I”) (e.g. apolypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to an extracellular domain of an ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5,ALK6 or ALK7 protein from humans or other species such as thosedescribed herein, e.g., SEQ ID Nos: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413,414, 463, 464, 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, 466, 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, 468, 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177,178, 403, 404, 469, 470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, 472, 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, 474, 38,39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406,475, and 476) and a type II receptor polypeptide (indicated as “II”)(e.g. a polypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%or 100% identical to an extracellular domain of an ActRIIA, ActRIIB,MISRII, BMPRII, or TGFBRII protein from humans or other species such asthose described herein, e.g., 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410,451, 452, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46,47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79,80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, 458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129,130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and462). In the illustrated embodiment, the type I receptor polypeptide ispart of a fusion polypeptide that comprises a first member of aninteraction pair (“C”), and the type II receptor polypeptide is part ofa fusion polypeptide that comprises a second member of an interactionpair (“D”). In each fusion polypeptide, a linker may be positionedbetween the type I or type II receptor polypeptide and the correspondingmember of the interaction pair. The first and second members of theinteraction pair (C, D) may be a guided (asymmetric) pair, meaning thatthe members of the pair associate preferentially with each other ratherthan self-associate, or the interaction pair may be unguided, meaningthat the members of the pair may associate with each other orself-associate without substantial preference and may have the same ordifferent amino acid sequences. Traditional Fc fusion proteins andantibodies are examples of unguided interaction pairs, whereas a varietyof engineered Fc domains have been designed as guided (asymmetric)interaction pairs [e.g., Spiess et al (2015) Molecular Immunology67(2A): 95-106].

FIG. 3 shows an alignment of extracellular domains of human ActRIIA (SEQID NO: 500) and human ActRIIB (SEQ ID NO: 2) with the residues that arededuced herein, based on composite analysis of multiple ActRIIB andActRIIA crystal structures, to directly contact ligand indicated withboxes.

FIG. 4 shows a multiple sequence alignment of various vertebrate ActRIIBprecursor proteins without their intracellular domains (SEQ ID NOs: 501,502, 503, 504, 505, and 506, respectively), human ActRIIA precursorprotein without its intracellular domain (SEQ ID NO: 507), and aconsensus ActRII precursor protein (SEQ ID NO: 508).

FIG. 5 shows multiple sequence alignment of Fc domains from human IgGisotypes using Clustal 2.1 (SEQ ID NOS 208, 212, 210 and 209,respectively, in order of appearance). Hinge regions are indicated bydotted underline. Double underline indicates examples of positionsengineered in IgG1 Fc to promote asymmetric chain pairing and thecorresponding positions with respect to other isotypes IgG2, IgG3 andIgG4.

FIG. 6 shows ligand binding data for an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK4-Fchomodimer. For each protein complex, ligands are ranked by k_(off), akinetic constant that correlates well with ligand signaling inhibition,and listed in descending order of binding affinity (ligands bound mosttightly are listed at the top). At left, yellow, red, green, and bluelines indicate magnitude of the off-rate constant. Solid black linesindicate ligands whose binding to heterodimer is enhanced or unchangedcompared with homodimer, whereas dashed red lines indicate substantiallyreduced binding compared with homodimer. As shown, theActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer displays enhanced binding to activin Bcompared with either homodimer, retains strong binding to activin A,GDF8, and GDF11 as observed with ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and exhibitssubstantially reduced binding to BMP9, BMP10, and GDF3. Like ActRIIB-Fchomodimer, the heterodimer retains intermediate-level binding to BMP6.

FIG. 7 shows ligand binding data for an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK3-Fchomodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown, theActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer binds BMP2 and BMP4 with exceptionallyhigh affinity and displays greatly enhanced binding to BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,GDF5, GDF6, and GDF7 compared with either homodimer. Compared to ActRIIBhomodimer, the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer displays reduced bindingto activin A, activin B, BMP10, GDF8, and GDF11 and also discriminatesamong these ligands to a greater degree, particularly between activin Aand activin B. In addition, the ability of ActRIIB-Fc homodimer to bindBMP9 and GDF3 with high affinity is absent for ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fcheterodimer.

FIG. 8 shows ligand binding data for an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK7-Fchomodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown, four of the fiveligands with strong binding to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer (activin A, BMP10,GDF8, and GDF11) exhibit reduced binding to the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fcheterodimer, the exception being activin B which retains tight bindingto the heterodimer. In addition, three ligands with intermediate bindingto ActRIIB-Fc homodimer (GDF3, BMP6, and particularly BMP9) exhibitreduced binding to the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer. In contrast, BMP5binds the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7 heterodimer with intermediate strength despiteonly weak binding to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer. No ligands tested bind toALK7-Fc homodimer.

FIG. 9 shows ligand binding data for an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK2-Fchomodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown, theActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer exhibits preferential and strong bindingto activin B, thus resembling ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer (FIG. 8).However, ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer differs from ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fcin part by retaining the tight binding to BMP9 characteristic ofActRIIB-Fc homodimer. No ligands tested bind to ALK2-Fc homodimer.

FIG. 10 shows ligand binding data for an ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimeric protein complex as compared to ActRIIA-Fc homodimer andALK4-Fc homodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown, theActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer exhibits enhanced binding to activin A,and particularly enhanced binding to activin AC, compared to ActRIIA-Fchomodimer, while retaining strong binding to activin AB and GDF11. Inaddition, the ligand with highest affinity for ActRIIA-Fc homodimer,activin B, displays reduced affinity (albeit still within thehigh-affinity range) for the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer. TheActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer also exhibits markedly reduced binding toBMP10 compared to ActRIIA-Fc homodimer.

FIG. 11 shows ligand binding data for a BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK1-Fchomodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown, theBMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer largely retains the strong binding to BMP9and BMP10 characteristic of ALK1-Fc homodimer; however, the heterodimerdisplays modest selectivity for BMP10 over BMP9 not present with thehomodimer. Also unlike ALK1-Fc homodimer, the BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fcheterodimer binds to BMP15, albeit with an off-rate approximately tentimes faster than that of BMPRII-Fc homodimer.

FIG. 12 shows ligand binding data for a BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to BMPRII-Fc homodimer and ALK3-Fchomodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown, theBMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer binds much more strongly to BMP6 than doesALK3-Fc homodimer, reflecting an off-rate nearly ten times slower. Withits largely unchanged binding to BMP2 and BMP4, the BMPRII-Fc:ALK3heterodimer can therefore be considered a joint inhibitor of BMP2, BMP4,and BMP6. This binding profile contrasts with that of ALK3-Fc homodimer,whose exceptionally strongly binding to BMP4 and BMP2 identifies it ashighly selective for this ligand pair compared to four ligands withintermediate-level binding, including BMP6.

FIG. 13 shows ligand binding data for a BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimericprotein complex as compared to BMPRII-Fc homodimer and ALK4-Fchomodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer differs from both homodimers by binding several activinligands with high or intermediate strength and differs from BMPRII-Fchomodimer by binding BMP15 only weakly. Most notably, BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer binds strongly and with high selectivity to theheterodimeric ligand activin AB.

FIG. 14 shows ligand binding data for two different TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fcheterodimeric protein complexes as compared to TGFβRII-Fc homodimer andALK5-Fc homodimer. Format is the same as in FIG. 6. As shown,TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimers differ markedly from TGFβRII-Fchomodimer in their high selectivity for TGFβ2 while still retainingconsiderable affinity for TGFβ1 and TGFβ3. The heterodimer incorporatingthe long isoform of TGFβRII bound TGFβ2 more strongly and selectivelythan did its short-isoform counterpart. No ligands tested bind toALK5-Fc homodimer.

FIGS. 15A-15D show schematic examples of heteromeric protein complexescomprising a type I receptor polypeptide (indicated as “I”) (e.g. apolypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to an extracellular domain of an ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5,ALK6 or ALK7 protein from humans or other species such as thosedescribed herein, e.g., SEQ ID Nos: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413,414, 463, 464, 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, 466, 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, 468, 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177,178, 403, 404, 469, 470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, 472, 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, 474, 38,39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406,475, and 476) and a type II receptor polypeptide (indicated as “II”)(e.g. a polypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%or 100% identical to an extracellular domain of an ActRIIA, ActRIIB,MISRII, BMPRII, or TGFBRII protein from humans or other species such asthose described herein, e.g., 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410,451, 452, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46,47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79,80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, 458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129,130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and462). In the illustrated embodiments, the a type I receptor polypeptideis part of a fusion polypeptide that comprises a first member of aninteraction pair (“C₁”), and a type II receptor polypeptide is part of afusion polypeptide that comprises a second member of an interaction pair(“C₂”). Suitable interaction pairs included, for example, heavy chainand/or light chain immunoglobulin interaction pairs, truncations, andvariants thereof such as those described herein [e.g., Spiess et al(2015) Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. In each fusion polypeptide,a linker may be positioned between the a type I receptor polypeptide ora type II receptor polypeptide and the corresponding member of theinteraction pair. The first and second members of the interaction pairmay be unguided, meaning that the members of the pair may associate witheach other or self-associate without substantial preference, and theymay have the same or different amino acid sequences. See FIG. 15A.Alternatively, the interaction pair may be a guided (asymmetric) pair,meaning that the members of the pair associate preferentially with eachother rather than self-associate. See FIG. 15B. Complexes of higherorder can be envisioned. See FIGS. 15C and 15D.

FIGS. 16A-16G show schematic examples of heteromeric protein complexescomprising two type I receptor polypeptide (indicated as “I”) (e.g. apolypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%identical to an extracellular domain of an ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5,ALK6 or ALK7 protein from humans or other species such as thosedescribed herein, e.g., SEQ ID Nos: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413,414, 463, 464, 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, 466, 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, 468, 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177,178, 403, 404, 469, 470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424,471, 472, 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, 474, 38,39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406,475, and 476) and two type II receptor polypeptide (indicated as “II”)(e.g. a polypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%or 100% identical to an extracellular domain of an ActRIIA, ActRIIB,MISRII, BMPRII, or TGFBRII protein from humans or other species such asthose described herein, e.g., 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410,451, 452, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46,47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79,80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, 458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129,130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and462).

In the illustrated embodiment FIG. 16A, the first type I receptorpolypeptide (from left to right) is part of a fusion polypeptide thatcomprises a first member of an interaction pair (“C₁”) and furthercomprises an additional first member of an interaction pair (“A₁”); andthe second type I receptor polypeptide is part of a fusion polypeptidethat comprises a second member of an interaction pair (“C₂”) and furthercomprises an first member of an interaction pair (“A₂”). The first typeII receptor polypeptide (from left to right) is part of a fusionpolypeptide that comprises a second member of an interaction pair(“B₁”); and the second type II receptor polypeptide is part of a fusionpolypeptide that comprises a second member of an interaction pair(“B₂”). A₁ and A₂ may be the same or different; B₁ and B₂ may be thesame or different, and C₁ and C₂ may be the same or different. In eachfusion polypeptide, a linker may be positioned between the type Ireceptor polypeptide or type II receptor polypeptide and thecorresponding member of the interaction pair as well as betweeninteraction pairs. FIG. 16A is an example of an association of unguidedinteraction pairs, meaning that the members of the pair may associatewith each other or self-associate without substantial preference and mayhave the same or different amino acid sequences.

In the illustrated embodiment FIG. 16B, the first type II receptorpolypeptide (from left to right) is part of a fusion polypeptide thatcomprises a first member of an interaction pair (“C₁”) and furthercomprises an additional first member of an interaction pair (“A₁”); andthe second type II receptor ActRIIB polypeptide is part of a fusionpolypeptide that comprises a second member of an interaction pair(“B₂”). The first type I receptor polypeptide (from left to right) ispart of a fusion polypeptide that comprises a second member of aninteraction pair (“B₁”); and the second type I receptor polypeptide ispart of a fusion polypeptide that comprises a second member of aninteraction pair (“C₂”) and further comprises a first member of aninteraction pair (“A₂”). In each fusion polypeptide, a linker may bepositioned between the type I receptor or type II receptor polypeptideand the corresponding member of the interaction pair as well as betweeninteraction pairs. FIG. 16B is an example of an association of guided(asymmetric) interaction pairs, meaning that the members of the pairassociate preferentially with each other rather than self-associate.

Suitable interaction pairs included, for example, heavy chain and/orlight chain immunoglobulin interaction pairs, truncations, and variantsthereof as described herein [e.g., Spiess et al (2015) MolecularImmunology 67(2A): 95-106]. Complexes of higher order can be envisioned.See FIGS. 16C-16F. Using similar methods, particularly those that employlight and/or heavy chain immunoglobulins, truncations, or variantsthereof, interaction pairs may be used to produce heterodimers thatresemble antibody Fab and F(ab′)₂ complexes [e.g., Spiess et al (2015)Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. See FIG. 16G.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show schematic examples of a heteromeric proteincomplex comprising a type I receptor polypeptide (indicated as “I”)(e.g. a polypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%or 100% identical to an extracellular domain of an ALK1, ALK2, ALK3,ALK4, ALK5, ALK6 or ALK7 protein from humans or other species such asthose described herein, e.g., SEQ ID Nos: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172,413, 414, 463, 464, 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, 466, 22,23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, 468, 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106,177, 178, 403, 404, 469, 470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423,424, 471, 472, 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, 474,38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406,475, and 476) and a type II receptor polypeptide (indicated as “II”)(e.g. a polypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%or 100% identical to an extracellular domain of an ActRIIA, ActRIIB,MISRII, BMPRII, or TGFBRII protein from humans or other species such asthose described herein, e.g., 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410,451, 452, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46,47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79,80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, 458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129,130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and462), and a ligand-binding domain of an antibody (e.g., a ligand bindingdomain derived form an antibody that binds to one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands). In the illustrated embodiments, the type Ireceptor polypeptide is part of a fusion polypeptide that comprises afirst member of an interaction pair (“C₁”), and further comprises anadditional first member of an interaction pair (“A₁”). The type IIreceptor polypeptide is part of a fusion polypeptide that comprises asecond member of an interaction pair (“B₁”). The variable heavy chain(V_(H)) polypeptide is part of a fusion polypeptide that comprises asecond member of an interaction pair (“C₂”), and further comprises afirst member of an interaction pair (“A₂”). The variable heavy chain(V_(L)) polypeptide is part of a fusion polypeptide that comprises asecond member of an interaction pair (“B₂”). In each fusion polypeptide,a linker may be positioned between the type I receptor or type IIreceptor polypeptide and the corresponding member of the interactionpair, between interaction pairs, and between the V_(H) and V_(L)polypeptides and a member of the interaction pair. A₁ and A₂ may be thesame or different; B₁ and B₂ may be the same or different, and C₁ and C₂may be the same or different. Suitable interaction pairs included, forexample, constant heavy chain and/or light chain immunoglobulininteraction pairs, truncations, and variants thereof as described herein[e.g., Spiess et al (2015) Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. FIG.17A is an example of an association of guided (asymmetric) interactionpairs, meaning that the members of the pair associate preferentiallywith each other rather than self-associate. FIG. 17B is an example of anassociation of unguided interaction pairs, meaning that the members ofthe pair may associate with each other or self-associate withoutsubstantial preference and may have the same or different amino acidsequences.

FIG. 18 shows schematic examples of type I receptor: type II receptorsingle-trap polypeptides. Type I receptor: type II receptor single-trappolypeptides may contain multiple type I receptor domains (e.g., 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 or more domains), having the same or differentsequences, and multiple type II receptor domains (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 9, 10 or more domains), having the same or different sequences.These type I receptor and type II receptor domains may be arranged inany order and may comprise one or more linker domains positions betweenone or more of the type I1 receptor and type II receptor domains. Suchligand traps may be useful as therapeutic agents to treat or preventdiseases or disorders described herein.

FIGS. 19A-19D show schematic examples of multimeric protein complexescomprising at least one type I receptor: type II receptor single-chaintrap polypeptide. In the illustrated embodiments 19A and 19B, a firsttype I receptor: type II receptor single-chain trap polypeptide (fromleft to right) is part of a fusion polypeptide that comprises a firstmember of an interaction pair (“C₁”); and a second type I receptor: typeII receptor single-chain trap polypeptide is part of a fusionpolypeptide that comprises a second member of an interaction pair(“C₂”). C₁ and C₂ may be the same or different. The first and secondtype I receptor: type II receptor single-chain trap polypeptides may bethe same or different. In each fusion polypeptide, a linker may bepositioned between the type I receptor: type II receptor single-chaintrap polypeptide and the corresponding member of the interaction pair.Suitable interaction pairs included, for example, heavy chain and/orlight chain immunoglobulin interaction pairs, truncations, and variantsthereof as described herein [e.g., Spiess et al (2015) MolecularImmunology 67(2A): 95-106]. FIG. 19A is an example of an association ofunguided interaction pairs, meaning that the members of the pair mayassociate with each other or self-associate without substantialpreference and may have the same or different amino acid sequences. FIG.19B is an example of an association of guided (asymmetric) interactionpairs, meaning that the members of the pair associate preferentiallywith each other rather than self-associate. Complexes of higher ordercan be envisioned. In addition, such type I receptor: type II receptorsingle-chain trap polypeptides may be similarly be associated,covalently or non-covalently, with one or more type I receptorpolypeptides and/or one or more type II receptor polypeptides. See FIG.19C. Also, such type I receptor: type II receptor single-chain trappolypeptides may be similarly be associated, covalently ornon-covalently, with one or more ligand-binding domain of an antibody(e.g., a ligand binding domain of an antibody that binds to one or moretype I receptor: type II receptor heteromultimer binding-ligands). SeeFIG. 19D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. Overview

In part, the present disclosure relates to heteromultimer complexescomprising an extracellular domain of a TGFβ superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide and an extracellular domain of a TGFβ superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptide, heteromultimer complexes comprising anextracellular domain of at least two different TGFβ superfamily type Ireceptor polypeptides, heteromultimer complexes comprising anextracellular domain of at least two different TGFβ superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptides, methods of making such heteromultimer complexes,and uses thereof. As described herein, in some embodiments,heteromultimer complexes may comprise an extracellular domain of a TGFβsuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide selected from: ALK1, ALK2, ALK3,ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7. Similarly, in some embodiments, theseheteromultimer complexes may comprise an extracellular domain of a TGFβsuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide selected from: ActRIIA,ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII. In certain preferred embodiments,heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have an altered TGFβsuperfamily ligand binding specificity/profile relative to acorresponding sample of a homomultimer complex (e.g., an ActRIIB:ALK4heterodimer compared to an ActRIIB:ActRIIB homodimer complex or anALK4:ALK4 homodimer complex).

The TGF-β superfamily is comprised of over 30 secreted factors includingTGF-betas, activins, nodals, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growthand differentiation factors (GDFs), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).See, e.g., Weiss et al. (2013) Developmental Biology, 2(1): 47-63.Members of the superfamily, which are found in both vertebrates andinvertebrates, are ubiquitously expressed in diverse tissues andfunction during the earliest stages of development throughout thelifetime of an animal. Indeed, TGF-β superfamily proteins are keymediators of stem cell self-renewal, gastrulation, differentiation,organ morphogenesis, and adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with thisubiquitous activity, aberrant TGF-beta superfamily signaling isassociated with a wide range of human pathologies including, forexample, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, fibrotic disease,and cancer.

Ligands of the TGF-beta superfamily share the same dimeric structure inwhich the central 3½ turn helix of one monomer packs against the concavesurface formed by the beta-strands of the other monomer. The majority ofTGF-beta family members are further stabilized by an intermoleculardisulfide bonds. This disulfide bond traverses through a ring formed bytwo other disulfide bonds generating what has been termed a ‘cysteineknot’ motif. See, e.g., Lin et al., (2006) Reproduction 132: 179-190 andHinck et al. (2012) FEBS Letters 586: 1860-1870.

TGF-beta superfamily signaling is mediated by heteromeric complexes oftype I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors, whichphosphorylate and activate downstream SMAD proteins (e.g., SMAD proteins1, 2, 3, 5, and 8) upon ligand stimulation. See, e.g., Massagué (2000)Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 1:169-178. These type I and type II receptorsare transmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-binding extracellulardomain with cysteine-rich region, a transmembrane domain, and acytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine kinase specificity.In general, type I receptors mediate intracellular signaling while thetype II receptors are required for binding TGF-beta superfamily ligands.Type I and II receptors form a stable complex after ligand binding,resulting in phosphorylation of type I receptors by type II receptors.

The TGF-beta family can be divided into two phylogenetic branches basedon the type I receptors they bind and the Smad proteins they activate.One is the more recently evolved branch, which includes, e.g., theTGF-betas, activins, GDF8, GDF9, GDF11, BMP3 and nodal, which signalthrough type I receptors that activate Smads 2 and 3 [Hinck (2012) FEBSLetters 586:1860-1870]. The other branch comprises the more distantlyrelated proteins of the superfamily and includes, e.g., BMP2, BMP4,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF1, GDF5, GDF6, and GDF7,which signal through Smads 1, 5, and 8.

TGF-beta isoforms are the founding members of the TGF-beta superfamily,of which there are 3 known isoforms in mammals designated as TGF-beta1,TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3. Mature bioactive TGF-beta ligands function ashomodimers and predominantly signal through the type I receptor ALK5,but have also been found to additionally signal through ALK1 inendothelial cells. See, e.g., Goumans et al. (2003) Mol Cell 12(4):817-828. TGF-beta1 is the most abundant and ubiquitously expressedisoform. TGF-beta1 is known to have an important role in wound healing,and mice expressing a constitutively active TGF-beta1 transgene developfibrosis. See e.g., Clouthier et al., (1997) J Clin. Invest. 100(11):2697-2713. TGF-beta1 is also involved in T cell activation andmaintenance of T regulatory cells. See, e.g., Li et al., (2006) Immunity25(3): 455-471. TGF-beta2 expression was first described in humanglioblastoma cells, and is occurs in neurons and astroglial cells of theembryonic nervous system. TGF-beta2 is known to suppressinterleukin-2-dependent growth of T lymphocytes. TGF-beta3 was initiallyisolated from a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line and since has beenfound in lung adenocarcinoma and kidney carcinoma cell lines. TGF-beta3is known to be important for palate and lung morphogenesis. See, e.g.,Kubiczkova et al., (2012) Journal of Translational Medicine 10:183.

Activins are members of the TGF-beta superfamily and were initiallydiscovered as regulators of secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone,but subsequently various reproductive and non-reproductive roles havebeen characterized. There are three principal activin forms (A, B, andAB) that are homo/heterodimers of two closely related β subunits(β_(A)β_(A), β_(B)β_(B), and β_(A)β_(B), respectively). The human genomealso encodes an activin C and an activin E, which are primarilyexpressed in the liver, and heterodimeric forms containing β_(C) orβ_(E) are also known. In the TGF-beta superfamily, activins are uniqueand multifunctional factors that can stimulate hormone production inovarian and placental cells, support neuronal cell survival, influencecell-cycle progress positively or negatively depending on cell type, andinduce mesodermal differentiation at least in amphibian embryos. See,e.g., DePaolo et al. (1991) Proc Soc Ep Biol Med. 198:500-512; Dyson etal. (1997) Curr Biol. 7:81-84; and Woodruff (1998) Biochem Pharmacol.55:953-963. In several tissues, activin signaling is antagonized by itsrelated heterodimer, inhibin. For example, in the regulation offollicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion from the pituitary, activinpromotes FSH synthesis and secretion, while inhibin reduces FSHsynthesis and secretion. Other proteins that may regulate activinbioactivity and/or bind to activin include follistatin (FS),follistatin-related protein (FSRP, also known as FLRG or FSTL3), andα₂-macroglobulin.

As described herein, agents that bind to “activin A” are agents thatspecifically bind to the β_(A) subunit, whether in the context of anisolated PA subunit or as a dimeric complex (e.g., a β_(A)β_(A)homodimer or a β_(A)β_(B) heterodimer). In the case of a heterodimercomplex (e.g., a β_(A)β_(B) heterodimer), agents that bind to “activinA” are specific for epitopes present within the β_(A) subunit, but donot bind to epitopes present within the non-β_(A) subunit of the complex(e.g., the β_(B) subunit of the complex). Similarly, agents disclosedherein that antagonize (inhibit) “activin A” are agents that inhibit oneor more activities as mediated by a β_(A) subunit, whether in thecontext of an isolated β_(A) subunit or as a dimeric complex (e.g., aβ_(A)β_(A) homodimer or a β_(A)β_(B) heterodimer). In the case ofβ_(A)β_(B) heterodimers, agents that inhibit “activin A” are agents thatspecifically inhibit one or more activities of the β_(A) subunit, but donot inhibit the activity of the non-β_(A) subunit of the complex (e.g.,the β_(B) subunit of the complex). This principle applies also to agentsthat bind to and/or inhibit “activin B”, “activin C”, and “activin E”.Agents disclosed herein that antagonize “activin AB”, “activin AC”,“activin AE”, “activin BC”, or “activin BE” are agents that inhibit oneor more activities as mediated by the β_(A) subunit and one or moreactivities as mediated by the β_(B) subunit. The same principle appliesto agents that bind to and/or inhibit “activin AC”, “activin AE”,“activin BC”, or “activin BE”.

Nodal proteins have functions in mesoderm and endoderm induction andformation, as well as subsequent organization of axial structures suchas heart and stomach in early embryogenesis. It has been demonstratedthat dorsal tissue in a developing vertebrate embryo contributespredominantly to the axial structures of the notochord and pre-chordalplate while it recruits surrounding cells to form non-axial embryonicstructures. Nodal appears to signal through both type I and type IIreceptors and intracellular effectors known as SMAD proteins. Studiessupport the idea that ActRIIA and ActRIIB serve as type II receptors fornodal. See, e.g., Sakuma et al. (2002) Genes Cells. 2002, 7:401-12. Itis suggested that Nodal ligands interact with their co-factors (e.g.,Cripto or Cryptic) to activate activin type I and type II receptors,which phosphorylate SMAD2. Nodal proteins are implicated in many eventscritical to the early vertebrate embryo, including mesoderm formation,anterior patterning, and left-right axis specification. Experimentalevidence has demonstrated that nodal signaling activates pAR3-Lux, aluciferase reporter previously shown to respond specifically to activinand TGF-beta. However, nodal is unable to induce pTlx2-Lux, a reporterspecifically responsive to bone morphogenetic proteins. Recent resultsprovide direct biochemical evidence that nodal signaling is mediated bySMAD2 and SMAD3, which also mediate signaling by TGF-betas and activins.Further evidence has shown that the extracellular protein Cripto orCryptic is required for nodal signaling, making it distinct from activinor TGF-beta signaling.

The BMPs and GDFs together form a family of cysteine-knot cytokinessharing the characteristic fold of the TGF-beta superfamily. See, e.g.,Rider et al. (2010) Biochem J., 429(1):1-12. This family includes, forexample, BMP2, BMP4, BMP6, BMP7, BMP2a, BMP3, BMP3b (also known asGDF10), BMP4, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9 (also known asGDF2), BMP10, BMP11 (also known as GDF11), BMP12 (also known as GDF7),BMP13 (also known as GDF6), BMP14 (also known as GDF5), BMP15, GDF1,GDF3 (also known as VGR2), GDF8 (also known as myostatin), GDF9, GDF15,and decapentaplegic. Besides the ability to induce bone formation, whichgave the BMPs their name, the BMP/GDFs display morphogenetic activitiesin the development of a wide range of tissues. BMP/GDF homo- andhetero-dimers interact with combinations of type I and type II receptordimers to produce multiple possible signaling complexes, leading to theactivation of one of two competing sets of SMAD transcription factors.BMP/GDFs have highly specific and localized functions. These areregulated in a number of ways, including the developmental restrictionof BMP/GDF expression and through the secretion of several specific BMPantagonist proteins that bind with high affinity to the cytokines.Curiously, a number of these antagonists resemble TGF-beta superfamilyligands.

Growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF8) is also known as myostatin.GDF8 is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass and is highlyexpressed in developing and adult skeletal muscle. The GDF8 nullmutation in transgenic mice is characterized by a marked hypertrophy andhyperplasia of skeletal muscle. See, e.g., McPherron et al., Nature(1997) 387:83-90. Similar increases in skeletal muscle mass are evidentin naturally occurring mutations of GDF8 in cattle and, strikingly, inhumans. See, e.g., Ashmore et al. (1974) Growth, 38:501-507; Swatlandand Kieffer, J. Anim. Sci. (1994) 38:752-757; McPherron and Lee, Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1997) 94:12457-12461; Kambadur et al., Genome Res.(1997) 7:910-915; and Schuelke et al. (2004) N Engl J Med, 350:2682-8.Studies have also shown that muscle wasting associated withHIV-infection in humans is accompanied by increases in GDF8 proteinexpression. See, e.g., Gonzalez-Cadavid et al., PNAS (1998) 95:14938-43.In addition, GDF8 can modulate the production of muscle-specific enzymes(e.g., creatine kinase) and modulate myoblast cell proliferation. See,e.g., International Patent Application Publication No. WO 00/43781). TheGDF8 propeptide can noncovalently bind to the mature GDF8 domain dimer,inactivating its biological activity. See, e.g., Miyazono et al. (1988)J. Biol. Chem., 263: 6407-6415; Wakefield et al. (1988) J. Biol. Chem.,263; 7646-7654; and Brown et al. (1990) Growth Factors, 3: 35-43. Otherproteins which bind to GDF8 or structurally related proteins and inhibittheir biological activity include follistatin, and potentially,follistatin-related proteins. See, e.g., Gamer et al. (1999) Dev. Biol.,208: 222-232.

GDF11, also known as BMP11, is a secreted protein that is expressed inthe tail bud, limb bud, maxillary and mandibular arches, and dorsal rootganglia during mouse development. See, e.g., McPherron et al. (1999)Nat. Genet., 22: 260-264; and Nakashima et al. (1999) Mech. Dev., 80:185-189. GDF11 plays a unique role in patterning both mesodermal andneural tissues. See, e.g., Gamer et al. (1999) Dev Biol., 208:222-32.GDF11 was shown to be a negative regulator of chondrogenesis andmyogenesis in developing chick limb. See, e.g., Gamer et al. (2001) DevBiol., 229:407-20. The expression of GDF11 in muscle also suggests itsrole in regulating muscle growth in a similar way to GDF8. In addition,the expression of GDF11 in brain suggests that GDF11 may also possessactivities that relate to the function of the nervous system.Interestingly, GDF11 was found to inhibit neurogenesis in the olfactoryepithelium. See, e.g., Wu et al. (2003) Neuron., 37:197-207. Hence,GDF11 may have in vitro and in vivo applications in the treatment ofdiseases such as muscle diseases and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g.,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

BMP7, also called osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), is well known to inducecartilage and bone formation. In addition, BMP7 regulates a wide arrayof physiological processes. For example, BMP7 may be the osteoinductivefactor responsible for the phenomenon of epithelial osteogenesis. It isalso found that BMP7 plays a role in calcium regulation and bonehomeostasis. Like activin, BMP7 binds to type II receptors, ActRIIA andActRIIB However, BMP7 and activin recruit distinct type I receptors intoheteromeric receptor complexes. The major BMP7 type I receptor observedwas ALK2, while activin bound exclusively to ALK4 (ActRIIB) BMP7 andactivin elicited distinct biological responses and activated differentSMAD pathways. See, e.g., Macias-Silva et al. (1998) J Biol Chem.273:25628-36.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), also known as Mullerian-inhibitingsubstance (MIS), is a TGF-beta family glycoprotein. One AMH-associatedtype II receptor has been identified and is designated as AMHRII, oralternatively MISRII. AMH induces regression of the Mullerian ducts inthe human male embryo. AMH is expressed in reproductive age women anddoes not fluctuate with cycle or pregnancy, but was found to gradualdecrease as both oocyte quantity and quality decrease, suggesting AMHcould serve as a biomarker for ovarian physiology. See e.g. Zec et al.,(2011) Biochemia Medica 21(3): 219-30.

Activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK1), the product of the ACVRL1 geneknown alternatively as ACVRLK1, is a type I receptor whose expression ispredominantly restricted to endothelial cells. See, e.g., OMIM entry601284. ALK1 is activated by the binding of TGF-beta family ligands suchas BMP9 and BMP10, and ALK1 signaling is critical in the regulation ofboth developmental and pathological blood vessel formation. ALK1expression overlaps with sites of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis inearly mouse development, and ALK1 knockout mice die around embryonic day11.5 because of severe vascular abnormalities (see e.g., Cunha andPietras (2011) Blood 117(26):6999-7006.) ALK1 expression has also beendescribed in other cell types such as hepatic stellate cells andchondrocytes. Additionally, ALK1 along with activin receptor-likekinase-2 (ALK2) have been found to be important for BMP9-inducedosteogenic signaling in mesenchymal stem cells. See e.g., Cunha andPietras (2011) Blood 117(26):6999-7006.

ALK2, the product of the ACVR1 gene known alternatively as ActRIA orACVRLK2, is a type I receptor that has been shown to bind activins andBMPs. ALK2 is critical for embryogenesis as ALK2 knockout mice die soonafter gastrulation. See, e.g., Mishina et al. (1999) Dev Biol. 213:314-326 and OMIM entry 102576. Constitutively active mutations in ALK2are associated with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). FOP israre genetic disorder that causes fibrous tissue, including muscle,tendon and ligament, to be ossified spontaneously or when damaged. Anarginine to histidine mutation in codon 206 of ALK2 is naturallyoccurring mutation associated with FOP in humans. This mutation inducesBMP-specific signaling via ALK2 without the binding of ligand. See,e.g., Fukuda et al., (2009) J Biol Chem. 284(11):7149-7156 and Kaplan etal., (2011) Ann N.Y. Acad Sci. 1237: 5-10.

Activin receptor-like kinase-3 (ALK3), the product of the BMPR1A geneknown alternatively as ACVRLK3, is a type I receptor mediating effectsof multiple ligands in the BMP family. Unlike several type I receptorswith ubiquitous tissue expression, ALK3 displays a restricted pattern ofexpression consistent with more specialized functionality. See, e.g.,ten Dijke (1993) Oncogene, 8: 2879-2887 and OMIM entry 601299. ALK3 isgenerally recognized as a high affinity receptor for BMP2, BMP4, BMP7and other members of the BMP family. BMP2 and BMP7 are potentstimulators of osteoblastic differentiation, and are now used clinicallyto induce bone formation in spine fusions and certain non-unionfractures. ALK3 is regarded as a key receptor in mediating BMP2 and BMP4signaling in osteoblasts. See, e.g., Lavery et al. (2008) J. Biol. Chem.283: 20948-20958. A homozygous ALK3 knockout mouse dies early inembryogenesis (˜day 9.5), however, adult mice carrying a conditionaldisruption of ALK3 in osteoblasts have been recently reported to exhibitincreased bone mass, although the newly formed bone showed evidence ofdisorganization. See, e.g., Kamiya (2008) J. Bone Miner. Res.,23:2007-2017; and Kamiya (2008) Development 135: 3801-3811. This findingis in startling contrast to the effectiveness of BMP2 and BMP7 (ligandsfor ALK3) as bone building agents in clinical use.

Activin receptor-like kinase-4 (ALK4), the product of the ACVR1B genealternatively known as ACVRLK4, is a type I receptor that transducessignaling for a number of TGF-beta family ligands including activins,nodal and GDFs. ALK4 mutations are associated with pancreatic cancer andexpression of dominant negative truncated ALK4 isoforms are highlyexpressed in human pituitary tumors. See, e.g., Tsuchida et al., (2008)Endocrine Journal 55(1):11-21 and OMIM entry 601300.

Activin receptor-like kinase-5 (ALK5), the product of the TGFBR1 gene,is widely expressed in most cell types. Several TGF-beta superfamilyligands, including TGF-betas, activin, and GDF-8, signal via ALK5 andactivate downstream Smad 2 and Smad 3. Mice deficient in ALK5 exhibitsevere defects in the vascular development of the yolk sac and placenta,lack circulating red blood cells, and die mid-gestation. It was foundthat these embryos had normal hematopoietic potential, but enhancedproliferation and improper migration of endothelial cells. Thus,ALK5-dependent signaling is important for angiogenesis, but not for thedevelopment of hematopoietic progenitor cells and functionalhematopoiesis. See, e.g. Larsson et al., (2001) The EMBO Journal, 20(7):1663-1673 and OMIM entry 190181. In endothelial cells, ALK5 actscooperatively and opposite to ALK1 signaling. ALK5 inhibits cellmigration and proliferation, notably the opposite effect of ALK1. See,e.g., Goumans et al. (2003) Mol Cell 12(4): 817-828. Additionally, ALK5is believed to negatively regulate muscle growth. Knockdown of ALK5 inthe muscle a mouse model of muscular dystrophy was found to decreasefibrosis and increase expression of genes associate with muscle growth.See, e.g. Kemaladewi et al., (2014) Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 3, e156.

Activin receptor-like kinase-6 (ALK6) is the product of the BMPR1B gene,whose deficiency is associated with chrondodysplasia and limb defects inboth humans and mice. See, e.g., Demirhan et al., (2005) J Med Genet.42:314-317. ALK6 is widely expressed throughout the developing skeleton,and is required for chondrogenesis in mice. See, e.g., Yi et al., (2000)Development 127:621-630 and OMIM entry 603248.

Activin receptor-like kinase-7 (ALK7) is the product of the ACVR1C gene.ALK7 null mice are viable, fertile, and display no skeletal or limbmalformations. GDF3 signaling through ALK7 appears to play a role ininsulin sensitivity and obesity. This is supported by results that Alk7null mice show reduced fat accumulation and resistance to diet-inducedobesity. See, e.g., Andersson et al., (2008) PNAS 105(20): 7252-7256.ALK7-mediated Nodal signaling has been implicated to have both tumorpromoting and tumor suppressing effects in a variety of different cancercell lines. See, e.g., De Silva et al., (2012) Frontiers inEndocrinology 3:59 and OMIM entry 608981.

As used herein the term “ActRII” refers to the family of type II activinreceptors. This family includes both the activin receptor type IIA(ActRIIA), encoded by the ACVR2A gene, and the activin receptor type IIB(ActRIIB), encoded by the ACVR2B gene. ActRII receptors are TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptors that bind a variety of TGF-betasuperfamily ligands including activins, GDF8 (myostatin), GDF11, and asubset of BMPs, notably BMP6 and BMP7. ActRII receptors are implicatedin a variety of biological disorders including muscle and neuromusculardisorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), and muscle atrophy), undesired bone/cartilage growth, adiposetissue disorders (e.g., obesity), metabolic disorders (e.g., type 2diabetes), and neurodegenerative disorders. See, e.g., Tsuchida et al.,(2008) Endocrine Journal 55(1):11-21, Knopf et al., U.S. Pat. No.8,252,900, and OMIM entries 102581 and 602730.

Transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFBRII), encoded by theTGFBR2 gene, is a type II receptor that is known to bind TGF-betaligands and activate downstream Smad 2 and Smad 3 effectors. See, e.g.,Hinck (2012) FEBS Letters 586: 1860-1870 and OMIM entry 190182. TGF-betasignaling through TGFBRII is critical in T-cell proliferation,maintenance of T regulatory cells and proliferation of precartilaginousstem cells. See, e.g., Li et al., (2006) Immunity 25(3): 455-471 andCheng et al., Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2014, 15, 12665-12676.

Bone morphogenetic protein receptor II (BMPRII), encoded by the BMPR2gene, is a type II receptor that is thought to bind certain BMP ligands.In some instances, efficient ligand binding to BMPRII is dependent onthe presence of the appropriate TGFBR type I receptors. See, e.g.,Rosenzweig et al., (1995) PNAS 92:7632-7636. Mutations in BMPRII areassociated pulmonary hypertension in humans. See OMIM entry 600799.

Müllerian-inhibiting substance receptor II (MISRII), the product of theAMHR2 gene known alternatively as anti-Müllerian hormone type IIreceptor, is a type II TGF-beta receptor. MISRII binds the MIS ligand,but requires the presence of an appropriate type I receptor, such asALK3 or ALK6, for signal transduction. See, e.g., Hinck (2012) FEBSLetters 586:1860-1870 and OMIM entry 600956. MISRII is involved in sexdifferentiation in humans and is required for Müllerian regression inthe human male. AMH is expressed in reproductive age women and does notfluctuate with cycle or pregnancy, but was found to gradual decrease asboth oocyte quantity and quality decrease, suggesting AMH could serve asa biomarker of ovarian physiology. See, e.g., Zec et al., (2011)Biochemia Medica 21(3): 219-30 and OMIM entry 600956.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to the use of a)heteromultimer complexes comprising an extracellular domain of a TGFβsuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide (e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4,ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7) and an extracellular domain of a TGFβ superfamilytype II receptor polypeptide (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII,and MISRII) b) heteromultimer complexes comprising an extracellulardomain of at least two TGFβ superfamily type I receptor polypeptide(e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7), and heteromultimercomplexes comprising an extracellular domain of at least two TGFβsuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB,TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII), preferably soluble heteromultimercomplexes, to antagonize intracellular signaling transduction (e.g.,Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) initiated by one or more TGFβsuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, Müllerian-inhibiting substance(MIS), and Lefty). As described herein, such antagonist heteromultimercomplexes may be useful in the treatment or prevention of variousdisorders/conditions associated with, e.g., muscle loss, insufficientmuscle growth, neurodegeneration, bone loss, reduced bone density and/ormineralization, insufficient bone growth, metabolic disorders such asobesity and red blood cell disorders such as anemia.

In particular, the data of the present disclosure demonstrates thatheteromultimer complexes comprising an extracellular domain of a TGFβsuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide and an extracellular domain of aTGFβ superfamily type II receptor polypeptide have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles in comparison to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of this disclosure and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms are discussedbelow or elsewhere in the specification to provide additional guidanceto the practitioner in describing the compositions and methods of thedisclosure and how to make and use them. The scope or meaning of any useof a term will be apparent from the specific context in which it isused.

The terms “heteromer” or “heteromultimer” is a complex comprising atleast a first polypeptide and a second polypeptide, wherein the secondpolypeptide differs in amino acid sequence from the first polypeptide byat least one amino acid residue. The heteromer can comprise a“heterodimer” formed by the first and second polypeptide or can formhigher order structures where polypeptides in addition to the first andsecond polypeptide are present. Exemplary structures for theheteromultimer include heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers andfurther oligomeric structures. Heterodimers are designated herein as X:Yor equivalently as X-Y, where X represents a first polypeptide and Yrepresents a second polypeptide. Higher-order heteromers and oligomericstructures are designated herein in a corresponding manner. In certainembodiments a heteromultimer is recombinant (e.g., one or morepolypeptide components may be a recombinant protein), isolated and/orpurified.

“Homologous,” in all its grammatical forms and spelling variations,refers to the relationship between two proteins that possess a “commonevolutionary origin,” including proteins from superfamilies in the samespecies of organism, as well as homologous proteins from differentspecies of organism. Such proteins (and their encoding nucleic acids)have sequence homology, as reflected by their sequence similarity,whether in terms of percent identity or by the presence of specificresidues or motifs and conserved positions. However, in common usage andin the instant application, the term “homologous,” when modified with anadverb such as “highly,” may refer to sequence similarity and may or maynot relate to a common evolutionary origin.

The term “sequence similarity,” in all its grammatical forms, refers tothe degree of identity or correspondence between nucleic acid or aminoacid sequences that may or may not share a common evolutionary origin.

“Percent (%) sequence identity” with respect to a reference polypeptide(or nucleotide) sequence is defined as the percentage of amino acidresidues (or nucleic acids) in a candidate sequence that are identicalto the amino acid residues (or nucleic acids) in the referencepolypeptide (nucleotide) sequence, after aligning the sequences andintroducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequenceidentity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part ofthe sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percentamino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that arewithin the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly availablecomputer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR)software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parametersfor aligning sequences, including any algorithms needed to achievemaximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared.For purposes herein, however, % amino acid (nucleic acid) sequenceidentity values are generated using the sequence comparison computerprogram ALIGN-2. The ALIGN-2 sequence comparison computer program wasauthored by Genentech, Inc., and the source code has been filed withuser documentation in the U.S. Copyright Office, Washington D.C., 20559,where it is registered under U.S. Copyright Registration No. TXU510087.The ALIGN-2 program is publicly available from Genentech, Inc., SouthSan Francisco, Calif., or may be compiled from the source code. TheALIGN-2 program should be compiled for use on a UNIX operating system,including digital UNIX V4.0D. All sequence comparison parameters are setby the ALIGN-2 program and do not vary.

“Agonize”, in all its grammatical forms, refers to the process ofactivating a protein and/or gene (e.g., by activating or amplifying thatprotein's gene expression or by inducing an inactive protein to enter anactive state) or increasing a protein's and/or gene's activity.

“Antagonize”, in all its grammatical forms, refers to the process ofinhibiting a protein and/or gene (e.g., by inhibiting or decreasing thatprotein's gene expression or by inducing an active protein to enter aninactive state) or decreasing a protein's and/or gene's activity.

As used herein, unless otherwise stated, “does not substantially bind toX” is intended to mean that an agent has a K_(D) that is greater thanabout 10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁶, 10⁻⁵, 10⁻⁴, or greater (e.g., no detectable binding bythe assay used to determine the K_(D)) for “X”, wherein “X” is aspecified agent such as protein or nucleic acid.

The terms “about” and “approximately” as used in connection with anumerical value throughout the specification and the claims denotes aninterval of accuracy, familiar and acceptable to a person skilled in theart. In general, such interval of accuracy is ±10%. Alternatively, andparticularly in biological systems, the terms “about” and“approximately” may mean values that are within an order of magnitude,preferably ≤5-fold and more preferably ≤2-fold of a given value.

Numeric ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the numbers definingthe ranges.

The terms “a” and “an” include plural referents unless the context inwhich the term is used clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “a” (or“an”), as well as the terms “one or more,” and “at least one” can beused interchangeably herein. Furthermore, “and/or” where used herein isto be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two or more specifiedfeatures or components with or without the other. Thus, the term“and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein is intended toinclude “A and B,” “A or B,” “A” (alone), and “B” (alone). Likewise, theterm “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and/or C” is intendedto encompass each of the following aspects: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; Aor C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone);and C (alone).

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion ofa stated integer or groups of integers but not the exclusion of anyother integer or group of integers.

2. TGF-Beta Superfamily Type I Receptor and Type II Receptor Complexes

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes comprising one or more TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptides (e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7proteins from humans or other species such as those described herein,e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, 464, 18,19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, 466, 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176,407, 408, 467, 468, 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469,470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, 472, 34, 35, 91,92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, 474, 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306,309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476) and one ormore TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptides (e.g., ActRIIA,ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII proteins from humans or otherspecies such as those described herein, e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11,118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, 452, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153,154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412,455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457,458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416,417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462); heteromultimer complexes comprisingat least two different TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptides(e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7 proteins from humansor other species such as those described herein, e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 14,15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, 464, 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174,421, 422, 465, 466, 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, 468, 26,27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, 470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139,141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, 472, 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182,425, 426, 473, 474, 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114,183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476); and heteromultimer complexescomprising at least two different TGF-beta superfamily type II receptorpolypeptides (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRIIproteins from humans or other species such as those described herein,e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, 452, 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46, 47, 71, 72,121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133,135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, 458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132,157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462), whichare generally referred to herein as “heteromultimer complexes” or“heteromultimers”. Preferably, heteromultimers are soluble, e.g., aheteromultimer comprises a soluble portion of at least one TGFβsuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide and a soluble portion (domain)of at least one TGFβ superfamily type II receptor polypeptide. Ingeneral, the extracellular domains of TGFβ superfamily type I and typeII receptors correspond to a soluble portion of the type I and type IIreceptor. Therefore, in some embodiments, heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise an extracellular domain of a TGFβ superfamily type Ireceptor polypeptide (e.g., one or more ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5,ALK6, and/or ALK7 receptor extracellular domains) and/or anextracellular domain of a TGFβ superfamily type II receptor polypeptide(e.g., one or more ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and/or MISRIIreceptor extracellular domains). Exemplary extracellular domains ofALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, ALK7, ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII,BMPRII, and MISRII are disclosed herein and such sequences, as well asfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof, may be usedin accordance with the inventions of the present disclosure (e.g.,heteromultimers compositions and uses thereof). Heteromultimers of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers,and higher order oligomeric structures. See, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, and15-17. In certain preferred embodiments, heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

A defining structural motif known as a three-finger toxin fold isimportant for ligand binding by type I and type II receptors and isformed by 10, 12, or 14 conserved cysteine residues located at varyingpositions within the extracellular domain of each monomeric receptor.See, e.g., Greenwald et al. (1999) Nat Struct Biol 6:18-22; Hinck (2012)FEBS Lett 586:1860-1870. The core ligand-binding domains of TGFβsuperfamily receptors, as demarcated by the outermost of these conservedcysteines, corresponds to positions 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 (ActRIIBprecursor); positions 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9 (ActRIIA precursor);positions 34-95 of SEQ ID NO: 14 (ALK1 precursor); positions 35-99 ofSEQ ID NO: 18 (ALK2 precursor); positions 61-130 of SEQ ID NO: 22 (ALK3precursor); positions 34-101 of SEQ ID NOs: 26 and 83 (ALK4 precursors);positions 36-106 of SEQ ID NOs: 30 and 87 (ALK5 precursors); positions32-102 of SEQ ID NO: 34 (ALK6 isoform B precursor); positions 28-92 ofSEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, and 309 (ALK7 precursors); positions 51-143 of SEQID NO: 42 (TGFBRII isoform B precursor); positions 34-123 of SEQ ID NO:46 and 71 (BMPRII precursors); positions 24-116 of SEQ ID NO: 50, 75,and 79 (MISRII precursors); positions 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 (TGFBRIIisoform A precursor); and positions 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91 (ALK6isoform A precursor). The structurally less-ordered amino acids flankingthese cysteine-demarcated core sequences can be truncated by 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, or 37 residues oneither terminus without necessarily altering ligand binding. Exemplaryextracellular domains for N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncationinclude SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43,47, 51, 68, 72, 76, 80, 84, 88, 92, 302, 306, 310, and 313.

In preferred embodiments, heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands including, but not limited to, BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty. In particular, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may beused to antagonize signaling transduction (e.g., Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) initiated by one or more TGFβ superfamily ligands,which may be determined, for example, using a cell-based assay such asthose described herein. As described herein, such antagonistheteromultimer complexes may be useful in the treatment or prevention ofvarious disorders/conditions associated with, e.g., muscle loss,insufficient muscle growth, neurodegeneration, bone loss, reduced bonedensity and/or mineralization, insufficient bone growth, and/or obesity.In some embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles in comparison to theircorresponding homomultimer complex (e.g., an ALK4:ActRIIB heterodimervs. a corresponding ActRIIB or ALK4 homodimer).

As used herein, the term “ActRIIB” refers to a family of activinreceptor type IIB (ActRIIB) proteins from any species and variantsderived from such ActRIIB proteins by mutagenesis or other modification.Reference to ActRIIB herein is understood to be a reference to any oneof the currently identified forms. Members of the ActRIIB family aregenerally transmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-bindingextracellular domain comprising a cysteine-rich region, a transmembranedomain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine kinaseactivity.

The term “ActRIIB polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ActRIIB family member as well asany variants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Examples of suchvariant ActRIIB polypeptides are provided throughout the presentdisclosure as well as in International Patent Application PublicationNos. WO 2006/012627, WO 2008/097541, and Wo 2010/151426, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Numbering of aminoacids for all ActRIIB-related polypeptides described herein is based onthe numbering of the human ActRIIB precursor protein sequence providedbelow (SEQ ID NO: 1), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The human ActRIIB precursor protein sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 1) 1 MTAPWVALAL LWGSLCAGS G RGEAETRECI YYNANWELER TNQSGLERCE51 GEQDKRLHCY ASWRNSSGTI ELVKKGCWLD DFNCYDRQEC VATEENPQVY 101 FCCCEGNFCNERFTHLPEAG GPEVTYEPPP TAPTLLTVLA YSLLPIGGLS 151 LIVLLAFWMY RHRKPPYGHVDIHEDPGPPP PSPLVGLKPL QLLEIKARGR 201 FGCVWKAQLM NDFVAVKIFP LQDKQSWQSEREIFSTPGMK HENLLQFIAA 251 EKRGSNLEVE LWLITAFHDK GSLTDYLKGN IITWNELCHVAETMSRGLSY 301 LHEDVPWCRG EGHKPSIAHR DFKSKNVLLK SDLTAVLADF GLAVRFEPGK351 PPGDTHGQVG TRRYMAPEVL EGAINFQRDA FLRIDMYAMG LVLWELVSRC 401KAADGPVDEY MLPFEEEIGQ HPSLEELQEV VVHKKMRPTI KDHWLKHPGL 451 AQLCVTIEECWDHDAEARLS AGCVEERVSL IRRSVNGTTS DCLVSLVTSV 501 TNVDLPPKES SI

The signal peptide is indicated with a single underline; theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font; and the potential,endogenous N-linked glycosylation sites are indicated with a doubleunderline.

The processed (mature) extracellular ActRIIB polypeptide sequence is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 2) GRGEAETRECIYYNANWELERTNQSGLERCEGEQDKRLHCYASWRNSSGTIELVKKGCWLDDFNCYDRQECVATEENPQVYFCCCEGNFCNERFTHLPEA GGPEVTYEPPPTAPT.

In some embodiments, the protein may be produced with an “SGR . . . ”sequence at the N-terminus. The C-terminal “tail” of the extracellulardomain is indicated by a single underline. The sequence with the “tail”deleted (a Δ15 sequence) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 3) BGRGEAETRECIYYNANWELERTNQSGLERCEGEQDKRLHCYASWRNSSGTIELVKKGCWLDDFNCYDRQECVATEENPQVYFCCCEGNFCNERFTHLP EA.

A form of ActRIIB with an alanine at position 64 of SEQ ID NO: 1 (A64)is also reported in the literature. See, e.g., Hilden et al. (1994)Blood, 83(8): 2163-2170. Applicants have ascertained that an ActRIIB-Fcfusion protein comprising an extracellular domain of ActRIIB with theA64 substitution has a relatively low affinity for activin and GDF11. Bycontrast, the same ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein with an arginine atposition 64 (R64) has an affinity for activin and GDF11 in the lownanomolar to high picomolar range. Therefore, sequences with an R64 areused as the “wild-type” reference sequence for human ActRIIB in thisdisclosure.

The form of ActRIIB with an alanine at position 64 is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 4) 1 MTAPWVALAL LWGSLCAGS G RGEAETRECI YYNANWELER TNQSGLERCE51 GEQDKRLHCY ASWANSSGTI ELVKKGCWLD DFNCYDRQEC VATEENPQVY 101 FCCCEGNFCNERFTHLPEAG GPEVTYEPPP TAPTLLTVLA YSLLPIGGLS 151 LIVLLAFWMY RHRKPPYGHVDIHEDPGPPP PSPLVGLKPL QLLEIKARGR 201 FGCVWKAQLM NDFVAVKIFP LQDKQSWQSEREIFSTPGMK HENLLQFIAA 251 EKRGSNLEVE LWLITAFHDK GSLTDYLKGN IITWNELCHVAETMSRGLSY 301 LHEDVPWCRG EGHKPSIAHR DFKSKNVLLK SDLTAVLADF GLAVRFEPGK351 PPGDTHGQVG TRRYMAPEVL EGAINFQRDA FLRIDMYAMG LVLWELVSRC 401KAADGPVDEY MLPFEEEIGQ HPSLEELQEV VVHKKMRPTI KDHWLKHPGL 451 AQLCVTIEECWDHDAEARLS AGCVEERVSL IRRSVNGTTS DCLVSLVTSV 501 TNVDLPPKES SI

The signal peptide is indicated by single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated by bold font.

The processed (mature) extracellular ActRIIB polypeptide sequence of thealternative A64 form is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 5) GRGEAETRECIYYNANWELERTNQSGLERCEGEQDKRLHCYASWANSSGTIELVKKGCWLDDFNCYDRQECVATEENPQVYFCCCEGNFCNERFTHLPEA GGPEVTYEPPPTAPT

In some embodiments, the protein may be produced with an “SGR . . . ”sequence at the N-terminus. The C-terminal “tail” of the extracellulardomain is indicated by single underline. The sequence with the “tail”deleted (a Δ15 sequence) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 6) GRGEAETRECIYYNANWELERTNQSGLERCEGEQDKRLHCYASWANSSGTIELVKKGCWLDDFNCYDRQECVATEENPQVYFCCCEGNFCNERFTHLPEA

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the human ActRIIB precursor protein isshown below (SEQ ID NO: 7), representing nucleotides 25-1560 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_001106.3, which encode amino acids 1-513 of theActRIIB precursor. The sequence as shown provides an arginine atposition 64 and may be modified to provide an alanine instead. Thesignal sequence is underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 7) 1 ATGACGGCGC CCTGGGTGGC CCTCGCCCTC CTCTGGGGAT CGCTGTGCGC51 CGGCTCTGGG CGTGGGGAGG CTGAGACACG GGAGTGCATC TACTACAACG 101 CCAACTGGGAGCTGGAGCGC ACCAACCAGA GCGGCCTGGA GCGCTGCGAA 151 GGCGAGCAGG ACAAGCGGCTGCACTGCTAC GCCTCCTGGC GCAACAGCTC 201 TGGCACCATC GAGCTCGTGA AGAAGGGCTGCTGGCTAGAT GACTTCAACT 251 GCTACGATAG GCAGGAGTGT GTGGCCACTG AGGAGAACCCCCAGGTGTAC 301 TTCTGCTGCT GTGAAGGCAA CTTCTGCAAC GAACGCTTCA CTCATTTGCC351 AGAGGCTGGG GGCCCGGAAG TCACGTACGA GCCACCCCCG ACAGCCCCCA 401CCCTGCTCAC GGTGCTGGCC TACTCACTGC TGCCCATCGG GGGCCTTTCC 451 CTCATCGTCCTGCTGGCCTT TTGGATGTAC CGGCATCGCA AGCCCCCCTA 501 CGGTCATGTG GACATCCATGAGGACCCTGG GCCTCCACCA CCATCCCCTC 551 TGGTGGGCCT GAAGCCACTG CAGCTGCTGGAGATCAAGGC TCGGGGGCGC 601 TTTGGCTGTG TCTGGAAGGC CCAGCTCATG AATGACTTTGTAGCTGTCAA 651 GATCTTCCCA CTCCAGGACA AGCAGTCGTG GCAGAGTGAA CGGGAGATCT701 TCAGCACACC TGGCATGAAG CACGAGAACC TGCTACAGTT CATTGCTGCC 751GAGAAGCGAG GCTCCAACCT CGAAGTAGAG CTGTGGCTCA TCACGGCCTT 801 CCATGACAAGGGCTCCCTCA CGGATTACCT CAAGGGGAAC ATCATCACAT 851 GGAACGAACT GTGTCATGTAGCAGAGACGA TGTCACGAGG CCTCTCATAC 901 CTGCATGAGG ATGTGCCCTG GTGCCGTGGCGAGGGCCACA AGCCGTCTAT 951 TGCCCACAGG GACTTTAAAA GTAAGAATGT ATTGCTGAAGAGCGACCTCA 1001 CAGCCGTGCT GGCTGACTTT GGCTTGGCTG TTCGATTTGA GCCAGGGAAA1051 CCTCCAGGGG ACACCCACGG ACAGGTAGGC ACGAGACGGT ACATGGCTCC 1101TGAGGTGCTC GAGGGAGCCA TCAACTTCCA GAGAGATGCC TTCCTGCGCA 1151 TTGACATGTATGCCATGGGG TTGGTGCTGT GGGAGCTTGT GTCTCGCTGC 1201 AAGGCTGCAG ACGGACCCGTGGATGAGTAC ATGCTGCCCT TTGAGGAAGA 1251 GATTGGCCAG CACCCTTCGT TGGAGGAGCTGCAGGAGGTG GTGGTGCACA 1301 AGAAGATGAG GCCCACCATT AAAGATCACT GGTTGAAACACCCGGGCCTG 1351 GCCCAGCTTT GTGTGACCAT CGAGGAGTGC TGGGACCATG ATGCAGAGGC1401 TCGCTTGTCC GCGGGCTGTG TGGAGGAGCG GGTGTCCCTG ATTCGGAGGT 1451CGGTCAACGG CACTACCTCG GACTGTCTCG TTTCCCTGGT GACCTCTGTC 1501 ACCAATGTGGACCTGCCCCC TAAAGAGTCA AGCATC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding processed extracellular human ActRIIBpolypeptide is as follows (SEQ ID NO: 8). The sequence as shown providesan arginine at position 64, and may be modified to provide an alanineinstead.

(SEQ ID NO: 8) 1 GGGCGTGGGG AGGCTGAGAC ACGGGAGTGC ATCTACTACA ACGCCAACTG51 GGAGCTGGAG CGCACCAACC AGAGCGGCCT GGAGCGCTGC GAAGGCGAGC 101 AGGACAAGCGGCTGCACTGC TACGCCTCCT GGCGCAACAG CTCTGGCACC 151 ATCGAGCTCG TGAAGAAGGGCTGCTGGCTA GATGACTTCA ACTGCTACGA 201 TAGGCAGGAG TGTGTGGCCA CTGAGGAGAACCCCCAGGTG TACTTCTGCT 251 GCTGTGAAGG CAACTTCTGC AACGAACGCT TCACTCATTTGCCAGAGGCT 301 GGGGGCCCGG AAGTCACGTA CGAGCCACCC CCGACAGCCC CCACC

An alignment of the amino acid sequences of human ActRIIB extracellulardomain and human ActRIIA extracellular domain are illustrated in FIG. 3.This alignment indicates amino acid residues within both receptors thatare believed to directly contact ActRII ligands. For example, thecomposite ActRII structures indicated that the ActRIIB-ligand bindingpocket is defined, in part, by residues Y31, N33, N35, L38 through T41,E47, E50, Q53 through K55, L57, H58, Y60, S62, K74, W78 through N83,Y85, R87, A92, and E94 through F101. At these positions, it is expectedthat conservative mutations will be tolerated.

In addition, ActRIIB is well-conserved among vertebrates, with largestretches of the extracellular domain completely conserved. For example,FIG. 4 depicts a multi-sequence alignment of a human ActRIIBextracellular domain compared to various ActRIIB orthologs. Many of theligands that bind to ActRIIB are also highly conserved. Accordingly,from these alignments, it is possible to predict key amino acidpositions within the ligand-binding domain that are important for normalActRIIB-ligand binding activities as well as to predict amino acidpositions that are likely to be tolerant of substitution withoutsignificantly altering normal ActRIIB-ligand binding activities.Therefore, an active, human ActRIIB variant polypeptide useful inaccordance with the presently disclosed methods may include one or moreamino acids at corresponding positions from the sequence of anothervertebrate ActRIIB, or may include a residue that is similar to that inthe human or other vertebrate sequences. Without meaning to be limiting,the following examples illustrate this approach to defining an activeActRIIB variant. L46 in the human extracellular domain (SEQ ID NO: 2) isa valine in Xenopus ActRIIB (SEQ ID NO: 506), and so this position maybe altered, and optionally may be altered to another hydrophobicresidue, such as V, I or F, or a non-polar residue such as A. E52 in thehuman extracellular domain is a K in Xenopus, indicating that this sitemay be tolerant of a wide variety of changes, including polar residues,such as E, D, K, R, H, S, T, P, G, Y and probably A. T93 in the humanextracellular domain is a K in Xenopus, indicating that a widestructural variation is tolerated at this position, with polar residuesfavored, such as S, K, R, E, D, H, G, P, G and Y. F108 in the humanextracellular domain is a Y in Xenopus, and therefore Y or otherhydrophobic group, such as I, V or L should be tolerated. E111 in thehuman extracellular domain is K in Xenopus, indicating that chargedresidues will be tolerated at this position, including D, R, K and H, aswell as Q and N. R112 in the human extracellular domain is K in Xenopus,indicating that basic residues are tolerated at this position, includingR and H. A at position 119 in the human extracellular domain isrelatively poorly conserved, and appears as P in rodents and V inXenopus, thus essentially any amino acid should be tolerated at thisposition.

Moreover, ActRII proteins have been characterized in the art in terms ofstructural and functional characteristics, particularly with respect toligand binding [Attisano et al. (1992) Cell 68(1):97-108; Greenwald etal. (1999) Nature Structural Biology 6(1): 18-22; Allendorph et al.(2006) PNAS 103(20: 7643-7648; Thompson et al. (2003) The EMBO Journal22(7): 1555-1566; as well as U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,709,605, 7,612,041, and7,842,663]. In addition to the teachings herein, these referencesprovide amply guidance for how to generate ActRIIB variants that retainone or more normal activities (e.g., ligand-binding activity).

For example, a defining structural motif known as a three-finger toxinfold is important for ligand binding by type I and type II receptors andis formed by conserved cysteine residues located at varying positionswithin the extracellular domain of each monomeric receptor [Greenwald etal. (1999) Nat Struct Biol 6:18-22; and Hinck (2012) FEBS Lett586:1860-1870]. Accordingly, the core ligand-binding domains of humanActRIIB, as demarcated by the outermost of these conserved cysteines,corresponds to positions 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 (ActRIIB precursor).Thus, the structurally less-ordered amino acids flanking thesecysteine-demarcated core sequences can be truncated by about 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, or 28 residues at the N-terminus and/or by about 1, 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22,23, 24, or 25 residues a the C-terminus without necessarily alteringligand binding. Exemplary ActRIIB extracellular domains for N-terminaland/or C-terminal truncation include SEQ ID NOs: 2, 3, 5, and 6.

Attisano et al. showed that a deletion of the proline knot at theC-terminus of the extracellular domain of ActRIIB reduced the affinityof the receptor for activin. An ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein containingamino acids 20-119 of present SEQ ID NO: 1, “ActRIIB(20-119)-Fc”, hasreduced binding to GDF11 and activin relative to an ActRIIB(20-134)-Fc,which includes the proline knot region and the complete juxtamembranedomain (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,663). However, anActRIIB(20-129)-Fc protein retains similar, but somewhat reducedactivity, relative to the wild-type, even though the proline knot regionis disrupted.

Thus, ActRIIB extracellular domains that stop at amino acid 134, 133,132, 131, 130 and 129 (with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1) are all expected tobe active, but constructs stopping at 134 or 133 may be most active.Similarly, mutations at any of residues 129-134 (with respect to SEQ IDNO: 1) are not expected to alter ligand-binding affinity by largemargins. In support of this, it is known in the art that mutations ofP129 and P130 (with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1) do not substantiallydecrease ligand binding. Therefore, an ActRIIB polypeptide of thepresent disclosure may end as early as amino acid 109 (the finalcysteine), however, forms ending at or between 109 and 119 (e.g., 109,110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, or 119) are expected tohave reduced ligand binding. Amino acid 119 (with respect to present SEQID NO: 1) is poorly conserved and so is readily altered or truncated.ActRIIB polypeptides ending at 128 (with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1) orlater should retain ligand-binding activity. ActRIIB polypeptides endingat or between 119 and 127 (e.g., 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126,or 127), with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1, will have an intermediate bindingability. Any of these forms may be desirable to use, depending on theclinical or experimental setting.

At the N-terminus of ActRIIB, it is expected that a protein beginning atamino acid 29 or before (with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1) will retainligand-binding activity. Amino acid 29 represents the initial cysteine.An alanine-to-asparagine mutation at position 24 (with respect to SEQ IDNO: 1) introduces an N-linked glycosylation sequence withoutsubstantially affecting ligand binding [U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,663]. Thisconfirms that mutations in the region between the signal cleavagepeptide and the cysteine cross-linked region, corresponding to aminoacids 20-29, are well tolerated. In particular, ActRIIB polypeptidesbeginning at position 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 (with respect to SEQ IDNO: 1) should retain general ligand-biding activity, and ActRIIBpolypeptides beginning at positions 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29 (with respectto SEQ ID NO: 1) are also expected to retain ligand-biding activity. Ithas been demonstrated, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,663, that,surprisingly, an ActRIIB construct beginning at 22, 23, 24, or 25 willhave the most activity.

Taken together, a general formula for an active portion (e.g.,ligand-binding portion) of ActRIIB comprises amino acids 29-109 of SEQID NO: 1. Therefore ActRIIB polypeptides may, for example, comprise,consist essentially of, or consist of an amino acid sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a portion of ActRIIBbeginning at a residue corresponding to any one of amino acids 20-29(e.g., beginning at any one of amino acids 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, or 29) of SEQ ID NO: 1 and ending at a position corresponding toany one amino acids 109-134 (e.g., ending at any one of amino acids 109,110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123,124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, or 134) of SEQ IDNO: 1. Other examples include polypeptides that begin at a position from20-29 (e.g., any one of positions 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or29) or 21-29 (e.g., any one of positions 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,or 29) of SEQ ID NO: 1 and end at a position from 119-134 (e.g., any oneof positions 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130,131, 132, 133, or 134), 119-133 (e.g., any one of positions 119, 120,121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, or 133),129-134 (e.g., any one of positions 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, or 134), or129-133 (e.g., any one of positions 129, 130, 131, 132, or 133) of SEQID NO: 1. Other examples include constructs that begin at a positionfrom 20-24 (e.g., any one of positions 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24), 21-24(e.g., any one of positions 21, 22, 23, or 24), or 22-25 (e.g., any oneof positions 22, 22, 23, or 25) of SEQ ID NO: 1 and end at a positionfrom 109-134 (e.g., any one of positions 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128,129, 130, 131, 132, 133, or 134), 119-134 (e.g., any one of positions119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132,133, or 134) or 129-134 (e.g., any one of positions 129, 130, 131, 132,133, or 134) of SEQ ID NO: 1. Variants within these ranges are alsocontemplated, particularly those having at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or100% identity to the corresponding portion of SEQ ID NO: 1.

The variations described herein may be combined in various ways. In someembodiments, ActRIIB variants comprise no more than 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10 or 15 conservative amino acid changes in the ligand-binding pocket,and zero, one, or more non-conservative alterations at positions 40, 53,55, 74, 79 and/or 82 in the ligand-binding pocket. Sites outside thebinding pocket, at which variability may be particularly well tolerated,include the amino and carboxy termini of the extracellular domain (asnoted above), and positions 42-46 and 65-73 (with respect to SEQ ID NO:1). An asparagine-to-alanine alteration at position 65 (N65A) actuallyimproves ligand binding in the A64 background, and is thus expected tohave no detrimental effect on ligand binding in the R64 background [U.S.Pat. No. 7,842,663]. This change probably eliminates glycosylation atN65 in the A64 background, thus demonstrating that a significant changein this region is likely to be tolerated. While an R64A change is poorlytolerated, R64K is well-tolerated, and thus another basic residue, suchas H may be tolerated at position 64 [U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,663].Additionally, the results of the mutagenesis program described in theart indicate that there are amino acid positions in ActRIIB that areoften beneficial to conserve. With respect to SEQ ID NO: 1, theseinclude position 80 (acidic or hydrophobic amino acid), position 78(hydrophobic, and particularly tryptophan), position 37 (acidic, andparticularly aspartic or glutamic acid), position 56 (basic amino acid),position 60 (hydrophobic amino acid, particularly phenylalanine ortyrosine). Thus, the disclosure provides a framework of amino acids thatmay be conserved in ActRIIB polypeptides. Other positions that may bedesirable to conserve are as follows: position 52 (acidic amino acid),position 55 (basic amino acid), position 81 (acidic), 98 (polar orcharged, particularly E, D, R or K), all with respect to SEQ ID NO: 1.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably, ActRIIBpolypeptides for use in accordance with the disclosure are soluble(e.g., an extracellular domain of ActRIIB) In other preferredembodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides for use in accordance with thedisclosure bind to one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. Therefore,in some embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides for use in accordance with thedisclosure inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inhibition of Smadsignaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least oneActRIIB polypeptide that comprises, consists essentially of, or consistsof an amino acid sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%,88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to a portion of ActRIIB beginning at a residue correspondingto amino acids 20-29 (e.g., beginning at any one of amino acids 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, or 29) of SEQ ID NO: 1 and ending at aposition corresponding to amino acids 109-134 (e.g., ending at any oneof amino acids 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, or134) of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain preferred embodiments, heteromultimersof the disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide thatcomprises, consists, or consists essentially of an amino acid sequencethat is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%,93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical amino acids 29-109of SEQ ID NO: 1 In other preferred embodiments, heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of an amino acid sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical amino acids 25-131 of SEQ IDNO: 1 In some embodiments, heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise atleast one ActRIIB polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%,87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In certainembodiments, heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least oneActRIIB polypeptide wherein the amino acid position corresponding to L79of SEQ ID NO: 1 is not an acidic amino acid (i.e., is not a naturallyoccurring D or E amino acid residue or artificial acidic amino acid).

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a proteincomplex comprising an ActRIIA polypeptide. As used herein, the term“ActRIIA” refers to a family of activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA)proteins from any species and variants derived from such ActRIIAproteins by mutagenesis or other modification. Reference to ActRIIAherein is understood to be a reference to any one of the currentlyidentified forms. Members of the ActRIIA family are generallytransmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-binding extracellulardomain comprising a cysteine-rich region, a transmembrane domain, and acytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ActRIIA polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ActRIIA family member as well asany variants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Examples of suchvariant ActRIIA polypeptides are provided throughout the presentdisclosure as well as in International Patent Application PublicationNo. WO 2006/012627, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Numbering of amino acids for all ActRIIA-related polypeptidesdescribed herein is based on the numbering of the human ActRIIAprecursor protein sequence provided below (SEQ ID NO: 9), unlessspecifically designated otherwise.

The human ActRIIA precursor protein sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 9) 1 MGAAAKLAFA VFLISCSSGA ILGRSETQEC LFFNANWEKD RTNQTGVEPC51 YGDKDKRRHC FATWKNISGS IEIVKQGCWL DDINCYDRTD CVEKKDSPEV 101 YFCCCEGNMCNEKFSYFPEM EVTQPTSNPV TPKPPYYNIL LYSLVPLMLI 151 AGIVICAFWV YRHHKMAYPPVLVPTQDPGP PPPSPLLGLK PLQLLEVKAR 201 GRFGCVWKAQ LLNEYVAVKI FPIQDKQSWQNEYEVYSLPG MKHENILQFI 251 GAEKRGTSVD VDLWLITAFH EKGSLSDFLK ANVVSWNELCHIAETMARGL 301 AYLHEDIPGL KDGHKPAISH RDIKSKNVLL KNNLTACIAD FGLALKFEAG351 KSAGDTHGQV GTRRYMAPEV LEGAINFQRD AFLRIDMYAM GLVLWELASR 401CTAADGPVDE YMLPFEEEIG QHPSLEDMQE VVVHKKKRPV LRDYWQKHAG 451 MAMLCETIEECWDHDAEARL SAGCVGERIT QMQRLTNIIT TEDIVTVVTM 501 VTNVDFPPKE SSL

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline; the extracellulardomain is indicated in bold font; and the potential, endogenous N-linkedglycosylation sites are indicated by a double underline.

The processed extracellular human ActRIIA polypeptide sequence is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 10) ILGRSETQECLFFNANWEKDRTNQTGVEPCYGDKDKRRHCFATWKNISGSIEIVKQGCWLDDINCYDRTDCVEKKDSPEVYFCCCEGNMCNEKFSYFPEM EVTQPTSNPVTPKPP

The C-terminal “tail” of the extracellular domain is indicated by asingle underline. The sequence with the “tail” deleted (a Δ15 sequence)is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 11) ILGRSETQECLFFNANWEKDRTNQTGVEPCYGDKDKRRHCFATWKNISGSIEIVKQGCWLDDINCYDRTDCVEKKDSPEVYFCCCEGNMCNEKFSYFPEM

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the human ActRIIA precursor protein isshown below (SEQ ID NO: 12), corresponding to nucleotides 159-1700 ofGenbank Reference Sequence NM_001616.4. The signal sequence isunderlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 12) 1 ATGGGAGCTG CTGCAAAGTT GGCGTTTGCC GTCTTTCTTA TCTCCTGTTC51 TTCAGGTGCT ATACTTGGTA GATCAGAAAC TCAGGAGTGT CTTTTCTTTA 101 ATGCTAATTGGGAAAAAGAC AGAACCAATC AAACTGGTGT TGAACCGTGT 151 TATGGTGACA AAGATAAACGGCGGCATTGT TTTGCTACCT GGAAGAATAT 201 TTCTGGTTCC ATTGAAATAG TGAAACAAGGTTGTTGGCTG GATGATATCA 251 ACTGCTATGA CAGGACTGAT TGTGTAGAAA AAAAAGACAGCCCTGAAGTA 301 TATTTTTGTT GCTGTGAGGG CAATATGTGT AATGAAAAGT TTTCTTATTT351 TCCGGAGATG GAAGTCACAC AGCCCACTTC AAATCCAGTT ACACCTAAGC 401CACCCTATTA CAACATCCTG CTCTATTCCT TGGTGCCACT TATGTTAATT 451 GCGGGGATTGTCATTTGTGC ATTTTGGGTG TACAGGCATC ACAAGATGGC 501 CTACCCTCCT GTACTTGTTCCAACTCAAGA CCCAGGACCA CCCCCACCTT 551 CTCCATTACT AGGTTTGAAA CCACTGCAGTTATTAGAAGT GAAAGCAAGG 601 GGAAGATTTG GTTGTGTCTG GAAAGCCCAG TTGCTTAACGAATATGTGGC 651 TGTCAAAATA TTTCCAATAC AGGACAAACA GTCATGGCAA AATGAATACG701 AAGTCTACAG TTTGCCTGGA ATGAAGCATG AGAACATATT ACAGTTCATT 751GGTGCAGAAA AACGAGGCAC CAGTGTTGAT GTGGATCTTT GGCTGATCAC 801 AGCATTTCATGAAAAGGGTT CACTATCAGA CTTTCTTAAG GCTAATGTGG 851 TCTCTTGGAA TGAACTGTGTCATATTGCAG AAACCATGGC TAGAGGATTG 901 GCATATTTAC ATGAGGATAT ACCTGGCCTAAAAGATGGCC ACAAACCTGC 951 CATATCTCAC AGGGACATCA AAAGTAAAAA TGTGCTGTTGAAAAACAACC 1001 TGACAGCTTG CATTGCTGAC TTTGGGTTGG CCTTAAAATT TGAGGCTGGC1051 AAGTCTGCAG GCGATACCCA TGGACAGGTT GGTACCCGGA GGTACATGGC 1101TCCAGAGGTA TTAGAGGGTG CTATAAACTT CCAAAGGGAT GCATTTTTGA 1151 GGATAGATATGTATGCCATG GGATTAGTCC TATGGGAACT GGCTTCTCGC 1201 TGTACTGCTG CAGATGGACCTGTAGATGAA TACATGTTGC CATTTGAGGA 1251 GGAAATTGGC CAGCATCCAT CTCTTGAAGACATGCAGGAA GTTGTTGTGC 1301 ATAAAAAAAA GAGGCCTGTT TTAAGAGATT ATTGGCAGAAACATGCTGGA 1351 ATGGCAATGC TCTGTGAAAC CATTGAAGAA TGTTGGGATC ACGACGCAGA1401 AGCCAGGTTA TCAGCTGGAT GTGTAGGTGA AAGAATTACC CAGATGCAGA 1451GACTAACAAA TATTATTACC ACAGAGGACA TTGTAACAGT GGTCACAATG 1501 GTGACAAATGTTGACTTTCC TCCCAAAGAA TCTAGTCTA

The nucleic acid sequence encoding processed extracellular ActRIIApolypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 13) 1 ATACTTGGTA GATCAGAAAC TCAGGAGTGT CTTTTCTTTA ATGCTAATTG51 GGAAAAAGAC AGAACCAATC AAACTGGTGT TGAACCGTGT TATGGTGACA 101 AAGATAAACGGCGGCATTGT TTTGCTACCT GGAAGAATAT TTCTGGTTCC 151 ATTGAAATAG TGAAACAAGGTTGTTGGCTG GATGATATCA ACTGCTATGA 201 CAGGACTGAT TGTGTAGAAA AAAAAGACAGCCCTGAAGTA TATTTTTGTT 251 GCTGTGAGGG CAATATGTGT AATGAAAAGT TTTCTTATTTTCCGGAGATG 301 GAAGTCACAC AGCCCACTTC AAATCCAGTT ACACCTAAGC CACCC

A general formula for an active (e.g., ligand binding) ActRIIApolypeptide is one that comprises a polypeptide that starts at aminoacid 30 and ends at amino acid 110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Accordingly, ActRIIApolypeptides of the present disclosure may comprise a polypeptide thatis at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical toamino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Optionally, ActRIIA polypeptides ofthe present disclosure comprise a polypeptide that is at least 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids aminoacids 12-82 of SEQ ID NO: 9 optionally beginning at a position rangingfrom 1-5 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) or 3-5 (e.g., 3, 4, or 5) and endingat a position ranging from 110-116 (e.g., 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115,or 116) or 110-115 (e.g., 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, or 115),respectively, and comprising no more than 1, 2, 5, 10 or 15 conservativeamino acid changes in the ligand binding pocket, and zero, one or morenon-conservative alterations at positions 40, 53, 55, 74, 79 and/or 82in the ligand-binding pocket with respect to SEQ ID NO: 9.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ActRIIA polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ActRIIApolypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ActRIIA). In other preferred embodiments, ActRIIA polypeptides foruse in accordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ActRIIA polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one ofSEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 409, or 410. In some embodiments,heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise, consist, or consistessentially of at least one ActRIIA polypeptide that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acidsequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 409, or 410.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise a TGFBRII polypeptide. As used herein, the term “TGFBRII”refers to a family of transforming growth factor-beta receptor II(TGFBRII) proteins from any species and variants derived from suchproteins by mutagenesis or other modification. Reference to TGFBRIIherein is understood to be a reference to any one of the currentlyidentified forms. Members of the TGFBRII family are generallytransmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-binding extracellulardomain with a cysteine-rich region, a transmembrane domain, and acytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “TGFBRII polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of a TGFBRII family member as well asany variants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all TGFBRII-related polypeptides described herein is based onthe numbering of the human TGFBRII precursor protein sequence below (SEQID NO: 42), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The canonical human TGFBRII precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref SeqNP_003233.4) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 42) 1 MGRGLLRGLW PLHIVLWTRI AS TIPPHVQK SVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFPQL 51 CKFCDVRFST CDNQKSCMSN CSITSICEKP QEVCVAVWRK NDENITLETV 101CHDPKLPYHD FILEDAASPK CIMKEKKKPG ETFFMCSCSS DECNDNIIFS 151 EEYNTSNPDLLLVIFQVTGI SLLPPLGVAI SVIIIFYCYR VNRQQKLSST 201 WETGKTRKLM EFSEHCAIILEDDRSDISST CANNINHNTE LLPIELDTLV 251 GKGRFAEVYK AKLKQNTSEQ FETVAVKIFPYEEYASWKTE KDIFSDINLK 301 HENILQFLTA EERKTELGKQ YWLITAFHAK GNLQEYLTRHVISWEDLRKL 351 GSSLARGIAH LHSDHTPCGR PKMPIVHRDL KSSNILVKND LTCCLCDFGL401 SLRLDPTLSV DDLANSGQVG TARYMAPEVL ESRMNLENVE SFKQTDVYSM 451ALVLWEMTSR CNAVGEVKDY EPPFGSKVRE HPCVESMKDN VLRDRGRPEI 501 PSFWLNHQGIQMVCETLTEC WDHDPEARLT AQCVAERFSE LEHLDRLSGR 551 SCSEEKIPED GSLNTTK

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular TGFBRII polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 43) TIPPHVQKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFPQLCKFCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCSITSICEKPQEVCVAVWRKNDENITLETVCHDPKLPYHDFILEDAASPKCIMKEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDECNDNIIFSEEYNTSNPDLLLVIFQ

The nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFBRII precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO:44), corresponding to nucleotides 383-2083 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_003242.5. The signal sequence is underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 44) ATGGGTCGGGGGCTGCTCAGGGGCCTGTGGCCGCTGCACATCGTCCTGTGGACGCGTATCGCCAGC ACGATCCCACCGCACGTTCAGAAGTCGGTTAATAACGACATGATAGTCACTGACAACAACGGTGCAGTCAAGTTTCCACAACTGTGTAAATTTTGTGATGTGAGATTTTCCACCTGTGACAACCAGAAATCCTGCATGAGCAACTGCAGCATCACCTCCATCTGTGAGAAGCCACAGGAAGTCTGTGTGGCTGTATGGAGAAAGAATGACGAGAACATAACACTAGAGACAGTTTGCCATGACCCCAAGCTCCCCTACCATGACTTTATTCTGGAAGATGCTGCTTCTCCAAAGTGCATTATGAAGGAAAAAAAAAAGCCTGGTGAGACTTTCTTCATGTGTTCCTGTAGCTCTGATGAGTGCAATGACAACATCATCTTCTCAGAAGAATATAACACCAGCAATCCTGACTTGTTGCTAGTCATATTTCAAGTGACAGGCATCAGCCTCCTGCCACCACTGGGAGTTGCCATATCTGTCATCATCATCTTCTACTGCTACCGCGTTAACCGGCAGCAGAAGCTGAGTTCAACCTGGGAAACCGGCAAGACGCGGAAGCTCATGGAGTTCAGCGAGCACTGTGCCATCATCCTGGAAGATGACCGCTCTGACATCAGCTCCACGTGTGCCAACAACATCAACCACAACACAGAGCTGCTGCCCATTGAGCTGGACACCCTGGTGGGGAAAGGTCGCTTTGCTGAGGTCTATAAGGCCAAGCTGAAGCAGAACACTTCAGAGCAGTTTGAGACAGTGGCAGTCAAGATCTTTCCCTATGAGGAGTATGCCTCTTGGAAGACAGAGAAGGACATCTTCTCAGACATCAATCTGAAGCATGAGAACATACTCCAGTTCCTGACGGCTGAGGAGCGGAAGACGGAGTTGGGGAAACAATACTGGCTGATCACCGCCTTCCACGCCAAGGGCAACCTACAGGAGTACCTGACGCGGCATGTCATCAGCTGGGAGGACCTGCGCAAGCTGGGCAGCTCCCTCGCCCGGGGGATTGCTCACCTCCACAGTGATCACACTCCATGTGGGAGGCCCAAGATGCCCATCGTGCACAGGGACCTCAAGAGCTCCAATATCCTCGTGAAGAACGACCTAACCTGCTGCCTGTGTGACTTTGGGCTTTCCCTGCGTCTGGACCCTACTCTGTCTGTGGATGACCTGGCTAACAGTGGGCAGGTGGGAACTGCAAGATACATGGCTCCAGAAGTCCTAGAATCCAGGATGAATTTGGAGAATGTTGAGTCCTTCAAGCAGACCGATGTCTACTCCATGGCTCTGGTGCTCTGGGAAATGACATCTCGCTGTAATGCAGTGGGAGAAGTAAAAGATTATGAGCCTCCATTTGGTTCCAAGGTGCGGGAGCACCCCTGTGTCGAAAGCATGAAGGACAACGTGTTGAGAGATCGAGGGCGACCAGAAATTCCCAGCTTCTGGCTCAACCACCAGGGCATCCAGATGGTGTGTGAGACGTTGACTGAGTGCTGGGACCACGACCCAGAGGCCCGTCTCACAGCCCAGTGTGTGGCAGAACGCTTCAGTGAGCTGGAGCATCTGGACAGGCTCTCGGGGAGGAGCTGCTCGGAGGAGAAGATTCCTGAAGACGGCTCCCTAAACACTACCAA A

The nucleic acid sequence encoding processed extracellular TGFBRIIpolypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 45) ACGATCCCACCGCACGTTCAGAAGTCGGTTAATAACGACATGATAGTCACTGACAACAACGGTGCAGTCAAGTTTCCACAACTGTGTAAATTTTGTGATGTGAGATTTTCCACCTGTGACAACCAGAAATCCTGCATGAGCAACTGCAGCATCACCTCCATCTGTGAGAAGCCACAGGAAGTCTGTGTGGCTGTATGGAGAAAGAATGACGAGAACATAACACTAGAGACAGTTTGCCATGACCCCAAGCTCCCCTACCATGACTTTATTCTGGAAGATGCTGCTTCTCCAAAGTGCATTATGAAGGAAAAAAAAAAGCCTGGTGAGACTTTCTTCATGTGTTCCTGTAGCTCTGATGAGTGCAATGACAACATCATCTTCTCAGAAGAATATAACACCAGCAATCCTGACTTGTTGCTAGTCATATTTCAA

An alternative isoform of TGFBRII, isoform A (NP_001020018.1), is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 67) 1 MGRGLLRGLW PLHIVLWTRI AS TIPPHVQK SDVEMEAQKDEIICPSCNRT 51 AHPLRHINND MIVTDNNGAV KFPQLCKFCD VRFSTCDNQK SCMSNCSITS 101ICEKPQEVCV AVWRKNDENI TLETVCHDPK LPYHDFILED AASPKCIMKE 151 KKKPGETFFMCSCSSDECND NIIFSEEYNT SNPDLLLVIF QVTGISLLPP 201 LGVAISVIII FYCYRVNRQQKLSSTWETGK TRKLMEFSEH CAIILEDDRS 251 DISSTCANNI NHNTELLPIE LDTLVGKGRFAEVYKAKLKQ NTSEQFETVA 301 VKIFPYEEYA SWKTEKDIFS DINLKHENIL QFLTAEERKTELGKQYWLIT 351 AFHAKGNLQE YLTRHVISWE DLRKLGSSLA RGIAHLHSDH TPCGRPKMPI401 VHRDLKSSNI LVKNDLTCCL CDFGLSLRLD PTLSVDDLAN SGQVGTARYM 451APEVLESRMN LENVESFKQT DVYSMALVLW EMTSRCNAVG EVKDYEPPFG 501 SKVREHPCVESMKDNVLRDR GRPEIPSFWL NHQGIQMVCE TLTECWDHDP 551 EARLTAQCVA ERFSELEHLDRLSGRSCSEE KIPEDGSLNT TK

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular TGFBRII polypeptide sequence (isoform A) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 68) TIPPHVQKSDVEMEAQKDEIICPSCNRTAHPLRHINNDMIVTDNNGAVKFPQLCKFCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCSITSICEKPQEVCVAVWRKNDENITLETVCHDPKLPYHDFILEDAASPKCIMKEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDECNDNI IFSEEYNTSNPDLLLVIFQ

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the TGFBRII precursor protein (isoformA) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 69), corresponding to nucleotides 383-2158of Genbank Reference Sequence NM_001024847.2. The signal sequence isunderlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 69) ATGGGTCGGGGGCTGCTCAGGGGCCTGTGGCCGCTGCACATCGTCCTGTGGACGCGTATCGCCAGC ACGATCCCACCGCACGTTCAGAAGTCGGATGTGGAAATGGAGGCCCAGAAAGATGAAATCATCTGCCCCAGCTGTAATAGGACTGCCCATCCACTGAGACATATTAATAACGACATGATAGTCACTGACAACAACGGTGCAGTCAAGTTTCCACAACTGTGTAAATTTTGTGATGTGAGATTTTCCACCTGTGACAACCAGAAATCCTGCATGAGCAACTGCAGCATCACCTCCATCTGTGAGAAGCCACAGGAAGTCTGTGTGGCTGTATGGAGAAAGAATGACGAGAACATAACACTAGAGACAGTTTGCCATGACCCCAAGCTCCCCTACCATGACTTTATTCTGGAAGATGCTGCTTCTCCAAAGTGCATTATGAAGGAAAAAAAAAAGCCTGGTGAGACTTTCTTCATGTGTTCCTGTAGCTCTGATGAGTGCAATGACAACATCATCTTCTCAGAAGAATATAACACCAGCAATCCTGACTTGTTGCTAGTCATATTTCAAGTGACAGGCATCAGCCTCCTGCCACCACTGGGAGTTGCCATATCTGTCATCATCATCTTCTACTGCTACCGCGTTAACCGGCAGCAGAAGCTGAGTTCAACCTGGGAAACCGGCAAGACGCGGAAGCTCATGGAGTTCAGCGAGCACTGTGCCATCATCCTGGAAGATGACCGCTCTGACATCAGCTCCACGTGTGCCAACAACATCAACCACAACACAGAGCTGCTGCCCATTGAGCTGGACACCCTGGTGGGGAAAGGTCGCTTTGCTGAGGTCTATAAGGCCAAGCTGAAGCAGAACACTTCAGAGCAGTTTGAGACAGTGGCAGTCAAGATCTTTCCCTATGAGGAGTATGCCTCTTGGAAGACAGAGAAGGACATCTTCTCAGACATCAATCTGAAGCATGAGAACATACTCCAGTTCCTGACGGCTGAGGAGCGGAAGACGGAGTTGGGGAAACAATACTGGCTGATCACCGCCTTCCACGCCAAGGGCAACCTACAGGAGTACCTGACGCGGCATGTCATCAGCTGGGAGGACCTGCGCAAGCTGGGCAGCTCCCTCGCCCGGGGGATTGCTCACCTCCACAGTGATCACACTCCATGTGGGAGGCCCAAGATGCCCATCGTGCACAGGGACCTCAAGAGCTCCAATATCCTCGTGAAGAACGACCTAACCTGCTGCCTGTGTGACTTTGGGCTTTCCCTGCGTCTGGACCCTACTCTGTCTGTGGATGACCTGGCTAACAGTGGGCAGGTGGGAACTGCAAGATACATGGCTCCAGAAGTCCTAGAATCCAGGATGAATTTGGAGAATGTTGAGTCCTTCAAGCAGACCGATGTCTACTCCATGGCTCTGGTGCTCTGGGAAATGACATCTCGCTGTAATGCAGTGGGAGAAGTAAAAGATTATGAGCCTCCATTTGGTTCCAAGGTGCGGGAGCACCCCTGTGTCGAAAGCATGAAGGACAACGTGTTGAGAGATCGAGGGCGACCAGAAATTCCCAGCTTCTGGCTCAACCACCAGGGCATCCAGATGGTGTGTGAGACGTTGACTGAGTGCTGGGACCACGACCCAGAGGCCCGTCTCACAGCCCAGTGTGTGGCAGAACGCTTCAGTGAGCTGGAGCATCTGGACAGGCTCTCGGGGAGGAGCTGCTCGGAGGAGAAGATTCCTGAAGACGGCTCCCTAAACACTACCAAA

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed extracellular TGFBRIIpolypeptide (isoform A) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 70) ACGATCCCACCGCACGTTCAGAAGTCGGATGTGGAAATGGAGGCCCAGAAAGATGAAATCATCTGCCCCAGCTGTAATAGGACTGCCCATCCACTGAGACATATTAATAACGACATGATAGTCACTGACAACAACGGTGCAGTCAAGTTTCCACAACTGTGTAAATTTTGTGATGTGAGATTTTCCACCTGTGACAACCAGAAATCCTGCATGAGCAACTGCAGCATCACCTCCATCTGTGAGAAGCCACAGGAAGTCTGTGTGGCTGTATGGAGAAAGAATGACGAGAACATAACACTAGAGACAGTTTGCCATGACCCCAAGCTCCCCTACCATGACTTTATTCTGGAAGATGCTGCTTCTCCAAAGTGCATTATGAAGGAAAAAAAAAAGCCTGGTGAGACTTTCTTCATGTGTTCCTGTAGCTCTGATGAGTGCAATGACAACATCATCTTCTCAGAAGAATATAACACCAGCAATCCTGACTTGTTGCTAGTCAT ATTTCAA.

Either of the foregoing TGFβRII isoforms (SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, 67, and68) could incorporate an insertion of 36 amino acids (SEQ ID NO: 95)between the pair of glutamate residues (positions 151 and 152 of SEQ IDNO: 42; positions 129 and 130 of SEQ ID NO: 43; positions 176 and 177 ofSEQ ID NO: 67; or positions 154 and 155 of SEQ ID NO: 68) located nearthe C-terminus of the TGFβRII ECD, as occurs naturally in the TGFβRIIisoform C (Konrad et al., BMC Genomics 8:318, 2007).

(SEQ ID NO: 95) GRCKIRHIGS NNRLQRSTCQ NTGWESAHVM KTPGFR

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,TGFBRII polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising a TGFBRIIpolypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof TGFBRII). In other preferred embodiments, TGFBRII polypeptides foruse in accordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one TGFBRII polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNOs: 42, 43, 67, or 68, with or without insertion of SEQ ID NO: 95 asdescribed above. In some embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure consist or consist essentially of at least one TGFBRIIpolypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 42, 43, 67, or68, with or without insertion of SEQ ID NO: 95.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise a BMPRII polypeptide. As used herein, the term “BMPRII”refers to a family of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II(BMPRII) proteins from any species and variants derived from such BMPRIIproteins by mutagenesis or other modification. Reference to BMPRIIherein is understood to be a reference to any one of the currentlyidentified forms. Members of the BMPRII family are generallytransmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-binding extracellulardomain with a cysteine-rich region, a transmembrane domain, and acytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “BMPRII polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of a BMPRII family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all BMPRII-related polypeptides described herein is based onthe numbering of the human BMPRII precursor protein sequence below (SEQID NO: 46), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The canonical human BMPRII precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref SeqNP_001195.2) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 46) 1 MTSSLQRPWR VPWLPWTILL VSTAAA SQNQ ERLCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESR 51 ISHENGTILC SKGSTCYGLW EKSKGDINLV KQGCWSHIGD PQECHYEECV 101VTTTPPSIQN GTYRFCCCST DLCNVNFTEN FPPPDTTPLS PPHSFNRDET 151 IIIALASVSVLAVLIVALCF GYRMLTGDRK QGLHSMNMME AAASEPSLDL 201 DNLKLLELIG RGRYGAVYKGSLDERPVAVK VFSFANRQNF INEKNIYRVP 251 LMEHDNIARF IVGDERVTAD GRMEYLLVMEYYPNGSLCKY LSLHTSDWVS 301 SCRLAHSVTR GLAYLHTELP RGDHYKPAIS HRDLNSRNVLVKNDGTCVIS 351 DFGLSMRLTG NRLVRPGEED NAAISEVGTI RYMAPEVLEG AVNLRDCESA401 LKQVDMYALG LIYWEIFMRC TDLFPGESVP EYQMAFQTEV GNHPTFEDMQ 451VLVSREKQRP KFPEAWKENS LAVRSLKETI EDCWDQDAEA RLTAQCAEER 501 MAELMMIWERNKSVSPTVNP MSTAMQNERN LSHNRRVPKI GPYPDYSSSS 551 YIEDSIHHTD SIVKNISSEHSMSSTPLTIG EKNRNSINYE RQQAQARIPS 601 PETSVTSLST NTTTTNTTGL TPSTGMTTISEMPYPDETNL HTTNVAQSIG 651 PTPVCLQLTE EDLETNKLDP KEVDKNLKES SDENLMEHSLKQFSGPDPLS 701 STSSSLLYPL IKLAVEATGQ QDFTQTANGQ ACLIPDVLPT QIYPLPKQQN751 LPKRPTSLPL NTKNSTKEPR LKFGSKHKSN LKQVETGVAK MNTINAAEPH 801VVTVTMNGVA GRNHSVNSHA ATTQYANGTV LSGQTTNIVT HRAQEMLQNQ 851 FIGEDTRLNINSSPDEHEPL LRREQQAGHD EGVLDRLVDR RERPLEGGRT 901 NSNNNNSNPC SEQDVLAQGVPSTAADPGPS KPRRAQRPNS LDLSATNVLD 951 GSSIQIGEST QDGKSGSGEK IKKRVKTPYSLKRWRPSTWV ISTESLDCEV 1001 NNNGSNRAVH SKSSTAVYLA EGGTATTMVS KDIGMNCL

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular BMPRII polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 47) SQNQERLCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESRISHENGTILCSKGSTCYGLWEKSKGDINLVKQGCWSHIGDPQECHYEECVVTTTPPSIQNGTYRFCCCSTDLCNVNFTENFPPPDTTPLSPPHSFNRDET

A nucleic acid sequence encoding BMPRII precursor protein is shown below(SEQ ID NO: 48), as follows nucleotides 1149-4262 of Genbank ReferenceSequence NM_001204.6. The signal sequence is underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 48) ATGACTTCCTCGCTGCAGCGGCCCTGGCGGGTGCCCTGGCTACCATGGACCATCCTGCTGGTCAGCACTGCGGCTGCTTCGCAGAATCAAGAACGGCTATGTGCGTTTAAAGATCCGTATCAGCAAGACCTTGGGATAGGTGAGAGTAGAATCTCTCATGAAAATGGGACAATATTATGCTCGAAAGGTAGCACCTGCTATGGCCTTTGGGAGAAATCAAAAGGGGACATAAATCTTGTAAAACAAGGATGTTGGTCTCACATTGGAGATCCCCAAGAGTGTCACTATGAAGAATGTGTAGTAACTACCACTCCTCCCTCAATTCAGAATGGAACATACCGTTTCTGCTGTTGTAGCACAGATTTATGTAATGTCAACTTTACTGAGAATTTTCCACCTCCTGACACAACACCACTCAGTCCACCTCATTCATTTAACCGAGATGAGACAATAATCATTGCTTTGGCATCAGTCTCTGTATTAGCTGTTTTGATAGTTGCCTTATGCTTTGGATACAGAATGTTGACAGGAGACCGTAAACAAGGTCTTCACAGTATGAACATGATGGAGGCAGCAGCATCCGAACCCTCTCTTGATCTAGATAATCTGAAACTGTTGGAGCTGATTGGCCGAGGTCGATATGGAGCAGTATATAAAGGCTCCTTGGATGAGCGTCCAGTTGCTGTAAAAGTGTTTTCCTTTGCAAACCGTCAGAATTTTATCAACGAAAAGAACATTTACAGAGTGCCTTTGATGGAACATGACAACATTGCCCGCTTTATAGTTGGAGATGAGAGAGTCACTGCAGATGGACGCATGGAATATTTGCTTGTGATGGAGTACTATCCCAATGGATCTTTATGCAAGTATTTAAGTCTCCACACAAGTGACTGGGTAAGCTCTTGCCGTCTTGCTCATTCTGTTACTAGAGGACTGGCTTATCTTCACACAGAATTACCACGAGGAGATCATTATAAACCTGCAATTTCCCATCGAGATTTAAACAGCAGAAATGTCCTAGTGAAAAATGATGGAACCTGTGTTATTAGTGACTTTGGACTGTCCATGAGGCTGACTGGAAATAGACTGGTGCGCCCAGGGGAGGAAGATAATGCAGCCATAAGCGAGGTTGGCACTATCAGATATATGGCACCAGAAGTGCTAGAAGGAGCTGTGAACTTGAGGGACTGTGAATCAGCTTTGAAACAAGTAGACATGTATGCTCTTGGACTAATCTATTGGGAGATATTTATGAGATGTACAGACCTCTTCCCAGGGGAATCCGTACCAGAGTACCAGATGGCTTTTCAGACAGAGGTTGGAAACCATCCCACTTTTGAGGATATGCAGGTTCTCGTGTCTAGGGAAAAACAGAGACCCAAGTTCCCAGAAGCCTGGAAAGAAAATAGCCTGGCAGTGAGGTCACTCAAGGAGACAATCGAAGACTGTTGGGACCAGGATGCAGAGGCTCGGCTTACTGCACAGTGTGCTGAGGAAAGGATGGCTGAACTTATGATGATTTGGGAAAGAAACAAATCTGTGAGCCCAACAGTCAATCCAATGTCTACTGCTATGCAGAATGAACGCAACCTGTCACATAATAGGCGTGTGCCAAAAATTGGTCCTTATCCAGATTATTCTTCCTCCTCATACATTGAAGACTCTATCCATCATACTGACAGCATCGTGAAGAATATTTCCTCTGAGCATTCTATGTCCAGCACACCTTTGACTATAGGGGAAAAAAACCGAAATTCAATTAACTATGAACGACAGCAAGCACAAGCTCGAATCCCCAGCCCTGAAACAAGTGTCACCAGCCTCTCCACCAACACAACAACCACAAACACCACAGGACTCACGCCAAGTACTGGCATGACTACTATATCTGAGATGCCATACCCAGATGAAACAAATCTGCATACCACAAATGTTGCACAGTCAATTGGGCCAACCCCTGTCTGCTTACAGCTGACAGAAGAAGACTTGGAAACCAACAAGCTAGACCCAAAAGAAGTTGATAAGAACCTCAAGGAAAGCTCTGATGAGAATCTCATGGAGCACTCTCTTAAACAGTTCAGTGGCCCAGACCCACTGAGCAGTACTAGTTCTAGCTTGCTTTACCCACTCATAAAACTTGCAGTAGAAGCAACTGGACAGCAGGACTTCACACAGACTGCAAATGGCCAAGCATGTTTGATTCCTGATGTTCTGCCTACTCAGATCTATCCTCTCCCCAAGCAGCAGAACCTTCCCAAGAGACCTACTAGTTTGCCTTTGAACACCAAAAATTCAACAAAAGAGCCCCGGCTAAAATTTGGCAGCAAGCACAAATCAAACTTGAAACAAGTCGAAACTGGAGTTGCCAAGATGAATACAATCAATGCAGCAGAACCTCATGTGGTGACAGTCACCATGAATGGTGTGGCAGGTAGAAACCACAGTGTTAACTCCCATGCTGCCACAACCCAATATGCCAATGGGACAGTACTATCTGGCCAAACAACCAACATAGTGACACATAGGGCCCAAGAAATGTTGCAGAATCAGTTTATTGGTGAGGACACCCGGCTGAATATTAATTCCAGTCCTGATGAGCATGAGCCTTTACTGAGACGAGAGCAACAAGCTGGCCATGATGAAGGTGTTCTGGATCGTCTTGTGGACAGGAGGGAACGGCCACTAGAAGGTGGCCGAACTAATTCCAATAACAACAACAGCAATCCATGTTCAGAACAAGATGTTCTTGCACAGGGTGTTCCAAGCACAGCAGCAGATCCTGGGCCATCAAAGCCCAGAAGAGCACAGAGGCCTAATTCTCTGGATCTTTCAGCCACAAATGTCCTGGATGGCAGCAGTATACAGATAGGTGAGTCAACACAAGATGGCAAATCAGGATCAGGTGAAAAGATCAAGAAACGTGTGAAAACTCCCTATTCTCTTAAGCGGTGGCGCCCCTCCACCTGGGTCATCTCCACTGAATCGCTGGACTGTGAAGTCAACAATAATGGCAGTAACAGGGCAGTTCATTCCAAATCCAGCACTGCTGTTTACCTTGCAGAAGGAGGCACTGCTACAACCATGGTGTCTAAAGATATAG GAATGAACTGTCTG

The nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular BMPRII polypeptideis as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 49) TCGCAGAATCAAGAACGGCTATGTGCGTTTAAAGATCCGTATCAGCAAGACCTTGGGATAGGTGAGAGTAGAATCTCTCATGAAAATGGGACAATATTATGCTCGAAAGGTAGCACCTGCTATGGCCTTTGGGAGAAATCAAAAGGGGACATAAATCTTGTAAAACAAGGATGTTGGTCTCACATTGGAGATCCCCAAGAGTGTCACTATGAAGAATGTGTAGTAACTACCACTCCTCCCTCAATTCAGAATGGAACATACCGTTTCTGCTGTTGTAGCACAGATTTATGTAATGTCAACTTTACTGAGAATTTTCCACCTCCTGACACAACACCACTCAGTCCACCTCATTCATTTAACCGAGATGAGACAAn alternative isoform of BMPRII, isoform 2 (GenBank: AAA86519.1) is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 71) 1 MTSSLQRPWR VPWLPWTILL VSTAAA SQNQ ERLCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESR 51 ISHENGTILC SKGSTCYGLW EKSKGDINLV KQGCWSHIGD PQECHYEECV 101VTTTPPSIQN GTYRFCCCST DLCNVNFTEN FPPPDTTPLS PPHSFNRDET 151 IIIALASVSVLAVLIVALCF GYRMLTGDRK QGLHSMNMME AAASEPSLDL 201 DNLKLLELIG RGRYGAVYKGSLDERPVAVK VFSFANRQNF INEKNIYRVP 251 LMEHDNIARF IVGDERVTAD GRMEYLLVMEYYPNGSLCKY LSLHTSDWVS 301 SCRLAHSVTR GLAYLHTELP RGDHYKPAIS HRDLNSRNVLVKNDGTCVIS 351 DFGLSMRLTG NRLVRPGEED NAAISEVGTI RYMAPEVLEG AVNLRDCESA401 LKQVDMYALG LIYWEIFMRC TDLFPGESVP EYQMAFQTEV GNHPTFEDMQ 451VLVSREKQRP KFPEAWKENS LAVRSLKETI EDCWDQDAEA RLTAQCAEER 501 MAELMMIWERNKSVSPTVNP MSTAMQNERR

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular BMPRII polypeptide sequence (isoform 2) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 72) SQNQERLCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESRISHENGTILCSKGSTCYGLWEKSKGDINLVKQGCWSHIGDPQECHYEECVVTTTPPSIQNGTYRFCCCSTDLCNVNFTENFPPPDTTPLSPPHSFNRDET

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human BMPRII precursor protein (isoform2) is shown below (SEQ ID NO:73), corresponding to nucleotides 163-1752of Genbank Reference Sequence U25110.1. The signal sequence isunderlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 73) ATGACTTCCTCGCTGCAGCGGCCCTGGCGGGTGCCCTGGCTACCATGGACCATCCTGCTGGTCAGCACTGCGGCTGCTTCGCAGAATCAAGAACGGCTATGTGCGTTTAAAGATCCGTATCAGCAAGACCTTGGGATAGGTGAGAGTAGAATCTCTCATGAAAATGGGACAATATTATGCTCGAAAGGTAGCACCTGCTATGGCCTTTGGGAGAAATCAAAAGGGGACATAAATCTTGTAAAACAAGGATGTTGGTCTCACATTGGAGATCCCCAAGAGTGTCACTATGAAGAATGTGTAGTAACTACCACTCCTCCCTCAATTCAGAATGGAACATACCGTTTCTGCTGTTGTAGCACAGATTTATGTAATGTCAACTTTACTGAGAATTTTCCACCTCCTGACACAACACCACTCAGTCCACCTCATTCATTTAACCGAGATGAGACAATAATCATTGCTTTGGCATCAGTCTCTGTATTAGCTGTTTTGATAGTTGCCTTATGCTTTGGATACAGAATGTTGACAGGAGACCGTAAACAAGGTCTTCACAGTATGAACATGATGGAGGCAGCAGCATCCGAACCCTCTCTTGATCTAGATAATCTGAAACTGTTGGAGCTGATTGGCCGAGGTCGATATGGAGCAGTATATAAAGGCTCCTTGGATGAGCGTCCAGTTGCTGTAAAAGTGTTTTCCTTTGCAAACCGTCAGAATTTTATCAACGAAAAGAACATTTACAGAGTGCCTTTGATGGAACATGACAACATTGCCCGCTTTATAGTTGGAGATGAGAGAGTCACTGCAGATGGACGCATGGAATATTTGCTTGTGATGGAGTACTATCCCAATGGATCTTTATGCAAGTATTTAAGTCTCCACACAAGTGACTGGGTAAGCTCTTGCCGTCTTGCTCATTCTGTTACTAGAGGACTGGCTTATCTTCACACAGAATTACCACGAGGAGATCATTATAAACCTGCAATTTCCCATCGAGATTTAAACAGCAGAAATGTCCTAGTGAAAAATGATGGAACCTGTGTTATTAGTGACTTTGGACTGTCCATGAGGCTGACTGGAAATAGACTGGTGCGCCCAGGGGAGGAAGATAATGCAGCCATAAGCGAGGTTGGCACTATCAGATATATGGCACCAGAAGTGCTAGAAGGAGCTGTGAACTTGAGGGACTGTGAATCAGCTTTGAAACAAGTAGACATGTATGCTCTTGGACTAATCTATTGGGAGATATTTATGAGATGTACAGACCTCTTCCCAGGGGAATCCGTACCAGAGTACCAGATGGCTTTTCAGACAGAGGTTGGAAACCATCCCACTTTTGAGGATATGCAGGTTCTCGTGTCTAGGGAAAAACAGAGACCCAAGTTCCCAGAAGCCTGGAAAGAAAATAGCCTGGCAGTGAGGTCACTCAAGGAGACAATCGAAGACTGTTGGGACCAGGATGCAGAGGCTCGGCTTACTGCACAGTGTGCTGAGGAAAGGATGGCTGAACTTATGATGATTTGGGAAAGAAACAAATCTGTGAGCCCAACAGTCAATCCAATGTCTACTGCTATGCAGAATGAACGTAGG

A nucleic acid sequence encoding an extracellular BMPRII polypeptide(isoform 2) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 74) TCGCAGAATCAAGAACGGCTATGTGCGTTTAAAGATCCGTATCAGCAAGACCTTGGGATAGGTGAGAGTAGAATCTCTCATGAAAATGGGACAATATTATGCTCGAAAGGTAGCACCTGCTATGGCCTTTGGGAGAAATCAAAAGGGGACATAAATCTTGTAAAACAAGGATGTTGGTCTCACATTGGAGATCCCCAAGAGTGTCACTATGAAGAATGTGTAGTAACTACCACTCCTCCCTCAATTCAGAATGGAACATACCGTTTCTGCTGTTGTAGCACAGATTTATGTAATGTCAACTTTACTGAGAATTTTCCACCTCCTGACACAACACCACTCAGTCCACCTCATTCATTTAACCGAGATGAGACA

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,BMPRII polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising a BMPRIIpolypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, BMPRII polypeptides for usein accordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one BMPRII polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 411, or 412. In some embodiments,heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure consist or consistessentially of at least one BMPRII polypeptide that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 411, or 412.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an MISRII polypeptide. As used herein, the term “MISRII”refers to a family of Müllerian inhibiting substance receptor type II(MISRII) proteins from any species and variants derived from such MISRIIproteins by mutagenesis or other modification. Reference to MISRIIherein is understood to be a reference to any one of the currentlyidentified forms. Members of the MISRII family are generallytransmembrane proteins, composed of a ligand-binding extracellulardomain with a cysteine-rich region, a transmembrane domain, and acytoplasmic domain with predicted serine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “MISRII polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an MISRII family member as well asany variants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all MISRII-related polypeptides described herein is based onthe numbering of the human MISRII precursor protein sequence below (SEQID NO: 50), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The canonical human MISRII precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref SeqNP_065434.1) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 50) 1 MLGSLGLWAL LPTAVEA PPN RRTCVFFEAP GVRGSTKTLGELLDTGTELP 51 RAIRCLYSRC CFGIWNLTQD RAQVEMQGCR DSDEPGCESL HCDPSPRAHP 101SPGSTLFTCS CGTDFCNANY SHLPPPGSPG TPGSQGPQAA PGESIWMALV 151 LLGLFLLLLLLLGSIILALL QRKNYRVRGE PVPEPRPDSG RDWSVELQEL 201 PELCFSQVIR EGGHAVVWAGQLQGKLVAIK AFPPRSVAQF QAERALYELP 251 GLQHDHIVRF ITASRGGPGR LLSGPLLVLELHPKGSLCHY LTQYTSDWGS 301 SLRMALSLAQ GLAFLHEERW QNGQYKPGIA HRDLSSQNVLIREDGSCAIG 351 DLGLALVLPG LTQPPAWTPT QPQGPAAIME AGTQRYMAPE LLDKTLDLQD401 WGMALRRADI YSLALLLWEI LSRCPDLRPD SSPPPFQLAY EAELGNTPTS 451DELWALAVQE RRRPYIPSTW RCFATDPDGL RELLEDCWDA DPEARLTAEC 501 VQQRLAALAHPQESHPFPES CPRGCPPLCP EDCTSIPAPT ILPCRPQRSA 551 CHFSVQQGPC SRNPQPACTLSPV

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular MISRII polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 51) PPNRRTCVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELLDTGTELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNLTQDRAQVEMQGCRDSDEPGCESLHCDPSPRAHPSPGSTLFTCSCGTDFCNANYSHLPPPGSPGTPGSQGPQAAPGESIWMAL

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the MISRII precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 52), corresponding to nucleotides 81-1799 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_020547.2. The signal sequence is underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 52) ATGCTAGGGTCTTTGGGGCTTTGGGCATTACTTCCCACAGCTGTGGAAGC ACCCCCAAACAGGCGAACCTGTGTGTTCTTTGAGGCCCCTGGAGTGCGGGGAAGCACAAAGACACTGGGAGAGCTGCTAGATACAGGCACAGAGCTCCCCAGAGCTATCCGCTGCCTCTACAGCCGCTGCTGCTTTGGGATCTGGAACCTGACCCAAGACCGGGCACAGGTGGAAATGCAAGGATGCCGAGACAGTGATGAGCCAGGCTGTGAGTCCCTCCACTGTGACCCAAGTCCCCGAGCCCACCCCAGCCCTGGCTCCACTCTCTTCACCTGCTCCTGTGGCACTGACTTCTGCAATGCCAATTACAGCCATCTGCCTCCTCCAGGGAGCCCTGGGACTCCTGGCTCCCAGGGTCCCCAGGCTGCCCCAGGTGAGTCCATCTGGATGGCACTGGTGCTGCTGGGGCTGTTCCTCCTCCTCCTGCTGCTGCTGGGCAGCATCATCTTGGCCCTGCTACAGCGAAAGAACTACAGAGTGCGAGGTGAGCCAGTGCCAGAGCCAAGGCCAGACTCAGGCAGGGACTGGAGTGTGGAGCTGCAGGAGCTGCCTGAGCTGTGTTTCTCCCAGGTAATCCGGGAAGGAGGTCATGCAGTGGTTTGGGCCGGGCAGCTGCAAGGAAAACTGGTTGCCATCAAGGCCTTCCCACCGAGGTCTGTGGCTCAGTTCCAAGCTGAGAGAGCATTGTACGAACTTCCAGGCCTACAGCACGACCACATTGTCCGATTTATCACTGCCAGCCGGGGGGGTCCTGGCCGCCTGCTCTCTGGGCCCCTGCTGGTACTGGAACTGCATCCCAAGGGCTCCCTGTGCCACTACTTGACCCAGTACACCAGTGACTGGGGAAGTTCCCTGCGGATGGCACTGTCCCTGGCCCAGGGCCTGGCATTTCTCCATGAGGAGCGCTGGCAGAATGGCCAATATAAACCAGGTATTGCCCACCGAGATCTGAGCAGCCAGAATGTGCTCATTCGGGAAGATGGATCGTGTGCCATTGGAGACCTGGGCCTTGCCTTGGTGCTCCCTGGCCTCACTCAGCCCCCTGCCTGGACCCCTACTCAACCACAAGGCCCAGCTGCCATCATGGAAGCTGGCACCCAGAGGTACATGGCACCAGAGCTCTTGGACAAGACTCTGGACCTACAGGATTGGGGCATGGCCCTCCGACGAGCTGATATTTACTCTTTGGCTCTGCTCCTGTGGGAGATACTGAGCCGCTGCCCAGATTTGAGGCCTGACAGCAGTCCACCACCCTTCCAACTGGCCTATGAGGCAGAACTGGGCAATACCCCTACCTCTGATGAGCTATGGGCCTTGGCAGTGCAGGAGAGGAGGCGTCCCTACATCCCATCCACCTGGCGCTGCTTTGCCACAGACCCTGATGGGCTGAGGGAGCTCCTAGAAGACTGTTGGGATGCAGACCCAGAAGCACGGCTGACAGCTGAGTGTGTACAGCAGCGCCTGGCTGCCTTGGCCCATCCTCAAGAGAGCCACCCCTTTCCAGAGAGCTGTCCACGTGGCTGCCCACCTCTCTGCCCAGAAGACTGTACTTCAATTCCTGCCCCTACCATCCTCCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGCGGAGTGCCTGCCACTTCAGCGTTCAGCAAGGCCCTTGTTCCAGGAATCCTCAGCCTGC CTGTACCCTTTCTCCTGTG

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular human MISRIIpolypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 53) CCCCCAAACAGGCGAACCTGTGTGTTCTTTGAGGCCCCTGGAGTGCGGGGAAGCACAAAGACACTGGGAGAGCTGCTAGATACAGGCACAGAGCTCCCCAGAGCTATCCGCTGCCTCTACAGCCGCTGCTGCTTTGGGATCTGGAACCTGACCCAAGACCGGGCACAGGTGGAAATGCAAGGATGCCGAGACAGTGATGAGCCAGGCTGTGAGTCCCTCCACTGTGACCCAAGTCCCCGAGCCCACCCCAGCCCTGGCTCCACTCTCTTCACCTGCTCCTGTGGCACTGACTTCTGCAATGCCAATTACAGCCATCTGCCTCCTCCAGGGAGCCCTGGGACTCCTGGCTCCCAGGGTCCCCAGGCTGCCCCAGGTGAGTCCATCTGGATGGCACTG

An alternative isoform of the human MISRII precursor protein sequence,isoform 2 (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001158162.1), is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 75) 1 MLGSLGLWAL LPTAVEA PPN RRTCVFFEAP GVRGSTKTLGELLDTGTELP 051 RAIRCLYSRC CFGIWNLTQD RAQVEMQGCR DSDEPGCESL HCDPSPRAHP101 SPGSTLFTCS CGTDFCNANY SHLPPPGSPG TPGSQGPQAA PGESIWMALV 151LLGLFLLLLL LLGSIILALL QRKNYRVRGE PVPEPRPDSG RDWSVELQEL 201 PELCFSQVIREGGHAVVWAG QLQGKLVAIK AFPPRSVAQF QAEPALYELP 251 GLQHDHIVRF ITASRGGPGRLLSGPLLVLE LHPKGSLCHY LTQYTSDWGS 301 SLRMALSLAQ GLAFLHEERW QNGQYKPGIAHRDLSSQNVL IREDGSCAIG 351 DLGLALVLPG LTQPPAWTPT QPQGPAAIME AGTQRYMAPELLDKTLDLQD 401 WGMALRRADI YSLALLLWEI LSRCPDLRPA VHHPSNWPMR QNWAIPLPLM451 SYGPWQCRRG GVPTSHPPGA ALPQTLMG

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular MISRII polypeptide sequence (isoform 2) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 76) PPNRRTCVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELLDTGTELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNLTQDRAQVEMQGCRDSDEPGCESLHCDPSPRAHPSPGSTLFTCSCGTDFCNANYSHLPPPGSPGTPGSQGPQAAPGESIWMAL

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the MISRII precursor protein (isoform2) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 77), corresponding to nucleotides 81-1514of Genbank Reference Sequence NM_001164690.1. The signal sequence isunderlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 77) ATGCTAGGGTCTTTGGGGCTTTGGGCATTACTTCCCACAGCTGTGGAAGCACCCCCAAACAGGCGAACCTGTGTGTTCTTTGAGGCCCCTGGAGTGCGGGGAAGCACAAAGACACTGGGAGAGCTGCTAGATACAGGCACAGAGCTCCCCAGAGCTATCCGCTGCCTCTACAGCCGCTGCTGCTTTGGGATCTGGAACCTGACCCAAGACCGGGCACAGGTGGAAATGCAAGGATGCCGAGACAGTGATGAGCCAGGCTGTGAGTCCCTCCACTGTGACCCAAGTCCCCGAGCCCACCCCAGCCCTGGCTCCACTCTCTTCACCTGCTCCTGTGGCACTGACTTCTGCAATGCCAATTACAGCCATCTGCCTCCTCCAGGGAGCCCTGGGACTCCTGGCTCCCAGGGTCCCCAGGCTGCCCCAGGTGAGTCCATCTGGATGGCACTGGTGCTGCTGGGGCTGTTCCTCCTCCTCCTGCTGCTGCTGGGCAGCATCATCTTGGCCCTGCTACAGCGAAAGAACTACAGAGTGCGAGGTGAGCCAGTGCCAGAGCCAAGGCCAGACTCAGGCAGGGACTGGAGTGTGGAGCTGCAGGAGCTGCCTGAGCTGTGTTTCTCCCAGGTAATCCGGGAAGGAGGTCATGCAGTGGTTTGGGCCGGGCAGCTGCAAGGAAAACTGGTTGCCATCAAGGCCTTCCCACCGAGGTCTGTGGCTCAGTTCCAAGCTGAGAGAGCATTGTACGAACTTCCAGGCCTACAGCACGACCACATTGTCCGATTTATCACTGCCAGCCGGGGGGGTCCTGGCCGCCTGCTCTCTGGGCCCCTGCTGGTACTGGAACTGCATCCCAAGGGCTCCCTGTGCCACTACTTGACCCAGTACACCAGTGACTGGGGAAGTTCCCTGCGGATGGCACTGTCCCTGGCCCAGGGCCTGGCATTTCTCCATGAGGAGCGCTGGCAGAATGGCCAATATAAACCAGGTATTGCCCACCGAGATCTGAGCAGCCAGAATGTGCTCATTCGGGAAGATGGATCGTGTGCCATTGGAGACCTGGGCCTTGCCTTGGTGCTCCCTGGCCTCACTCAGCCCCCTGCCTGGACCCCTACTCAACCACAAGGCCCAGCTGCCATCATGGAAGCTGGCACCCAGAGGTACATGGCACCAGAGCTCTTGGACAAGACTCTGGACCTACAGGATTGGGGCATGGCCCTCCGACGAGCTGATATTTACTCTTTGGCTCTGCTCCTGTGGGAGATACTGAGCCGCTGCCCAGATTTGAGGCCTGCAGTCCACCACCCTTCCAACTGGCCTATGAGGCAGAACTGGGCAATACCCCTACCTCTGATGAGCTATGGGCCTTGGCAGTGCAGGAGAGGAGGCGTCCCTACATCCCATCCACCTGGCGCTGCTTTGCCACAGACCCTGATGGGC

The nucleic acid sequence encoding processed soluble (extracellular)human MISRII polypeptide (isoform 2) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 78) CCCCCAAACAGGCGAACCTGTGTGTTCTTTGAGGCCCCTGGAGTGCGGGGAAGCACAAAGACACTGGGAGAGCTGCTAGATACAGGCACAGAGCTCCCCAGAGCTATCCGCTGCCTCTACAGCCGCTGCTGCTTTGGGATCTGGAACCTGACCCAAGACCGGGCACAGGTGGAAATGCAAGGATGCCGAGACAGTGATGAGCCAGGCTGTGAGTCCCTCCACTGTGACCCAAGTCCCCGAGCCCACCCCAGCCCTGGCTCCACTCTCTTCACCTGCTCCTGTGGCACTGACTTCTGCAATGCCAATTACAGCCATCTGCCTCCTCCAGGGAGCCCTGGGACTCCTGGCTCCCAGGGTCCCCAGGCTGCCCCAGGTGAGTCCATCTGGATGGCACTG

An alternative isoform of the human MISRII precursor protein sequence,isoform 3 (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001158163.1), is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 79) 1 MLGSLGLWAL LPTAVEA PPN RRTCVFFEAP GVRGSTKTLGELLDTGTELP 51 RAIRCLYSRC CFGIWNLTQD RAQVEMQGCR DSDEPGCESL HCDPSPRAHP 101SPGSTLFTCS CGTDFCNANY SHLPPPGSPG TPGSQGPQAA PGESIWMALV 151 LLGLFLLLLLLLGSIILALL QRKNYRVRGE PVPEPRPDSG RDWSVELQEL 201 PELCFSQVIR EGGHAVVWAGQLQGKLVAIK AFPPRSVAQF QAERALYELP 251 GLQHDHIVRF ITASRGGPGR LLSGPLLVLELHPKGSLCHY LTQYTSDWGS 301 SLRMALSLAQ GLAFLHEERW QNGQYKPGIA HRDLSSQNVLIREDGSCAIG 351 DLGLALVLPG LTQPPAWTPT QPQGPAAIME DPDGLRELLE DCWDADPEAR401 LTAECVQQRL AALAHPQESH PFPESCPRGC PPLCPEDCTS IPAPTILPCR 451PQRSACHFSV QQGPCSRNPQ PACTLSPV

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular MISRII polypeptide sequence (isoform 3) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 80) PPNRRTCVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELLDTGTELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNLTQDRAQVEMQGCRDSDEPGCESLHCDPSPRAHPSPGSTLFTCSCGTDFCNANYSHLPPPGSPGTPGSQGPQAAPGESIWMAL

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human MISRII precursor protein (isoform3) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 81), corresponding to nucleotides 81-1514of Genbank Reference Sequence NM_001164691.1. The signal sequence isunderlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 81) ATGCTAGGGTCTTTGGGGCTTTGGGCATTACTTCCCACAGCTGTGGAAGCACCCCCAAACAGGCGAACCTGTGTGTTCTTTGAGGCCCCTGGAGTGCGGGGAAGCACAAAGACACTGGGAGAGCTGCTAGATACAGGCACAGAGCTCCCCAGAGCTATCCGCTGCCTCTACAGCCGCTGCTGCTTTGGGATCTGGAACCTGACCCAAGACCGGGCACAGGTGGAAATGCAAGGATGCCGAGACAGTGATGAGCCAGGCTGTGAGTCCCTCCACTGTGACCCAAGTCCCCGAGCCCACCCCAGCCCTGGCTCCACTCTCTTCACCTGCTCCTGTGGCACTGACTTCTGCAATGCCAATTACAGCCATCTGCCTCCTCCAGGGAGCCCTGGGACTCCTGGCTCCCAGGGTCCCCAGGCTGCCCCAGGTGAGTCCATCTGGATGGCACTGGTGCTGCTGGGGCTGTTCCTCCTCCTCCTGCTGCTGCTGGGCAGCATCATCTTGGCCCTGCTACAGCGAAAGAACTACAGAGTGCGAGGTGAGCCAGTGCCAGAGCCAAGGCCAGACTCAGGCAGGGACTGGAGTGTGGAGCTGCAGGAGCTGCCTGAGCTGTGTTTCTCCCAGGTAATCCGGGAAGGAGGTCATGCAGTGGTTTGGGCCGGGCAGCTGCAAGGAAAACTGGTTGCCATCAAGGCCTTCCCACCGAGGTCTGTGGCTCAGTTCCAAGCTGAGAGAGCATTGTACGAACTTCCAGGCCTACAGCACGACCACATTGTCCGATTTATCACTGCCAGCCGGGGGGGTCCTGGCCGCCTGCTCTCTGGGCCCCTGCTGGTACTGGAACTGCATCCCAAGGGCTCCCTGTGCCACTACTTGACCCAGTACACCAGTGACTGGGGAAGTTCCCTGCGGATGGCACTGTCCCTGGCCCAGGGCCTGGCATTTCTCCATGAGGAGCGCTGGCAGAATGGCCAATATAAACCAGGTATTGCCCACCGAGATCTGAGCAGCCAGAATGTGCTCATTCGGGAAGATGGATCGTGTGCCATTGGAGACCTGGGCCTTGCCTTGGTGCTCCCTGGCCTCACTCAGCCCCCTGCCTGGACCCCTACTCAACCACAAGGCCCAGCTGCCATCATGGAAGACCCTGATGGGCTGAGGGAGCTCCTAGAAGACTGTTGGGATGCAGACCCAGAAGCACGGCTGACAGCTGAGTGTGTACAGCAGCGCCTGGCTGCCTTGGCCCATCCTCAAGAGAGCCACCCCTTTCCAGAGAGCTGTCCACGTGGCTGCCCACCTCTCTGCCCAGAAGACTGTACTTCAATTCCTGCCCCTACCATCCTCCCCTGTAGGCCTCAGCGGAGTGCCTGCCACTTCAGCGTTCAGCAAGGCCCTTGTTCCAGGAATCCTCAGCCTGCCTGTACCCTTTCTCCTGTG

A nucleic acid sequence encoding processed soluble (extracellular) humanMISRII polypeptide (isoform 3) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 82) CCCCCAAACAGGCGAACCTGTGTGTTCTTTGAGGCCCCTGGAGTGCGGGGAAGCACAAAGACACTGGGAGAGCTGCTAGATACAGGCACAGAGCTCCCCAGAGCTATCCGCTGCCTCTACAGCCGCTGCTGCTTTGGGATCTGGAACCTGACCCAAGACCGGGCACAGGTGGAAATGCAAGGATGCCGAGACAGTGATGAGCCAGGCTGTGAGTCCCTCCACTGTGACCCAAGTCCCCGAGCCCACCCCAGCCCTGGCTCCACTCTCTTCACCTGCTCCTGTGGCACTGACTTCTGCAATGCCAATTACAGCCATCTGCCTCCTCCAGGGAGCCCTGGGACTCCTGGCTCCCAGGGTCCCCAGGCTGCCCCAGGTGAGTCCATCTGGATGGCACTG

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one MISRII polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,MISRII polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising a MISRIIpolypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof MISRII). In other preferred embodiments, MISRII polypeptides for usein accordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one MISRII polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNOs: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, or 80. In some embodiments, heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure consist or consist essentially of at leastone MISRII polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 50,51, 75, 76, 79, or 80.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK1 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK1”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-1 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK1 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK1 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK1 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK1 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK1 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK1-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK1 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:14), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The human ALK1 precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref Seq NP_000011.2) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 14) 1 MTLGSPRKGL LMLLMALVTQ G DPVKPSRGP LVTCTCESPHCKGPTCRGAW 51 CTVVLVREEG RHPQEHRGCG NLHRELCRGR PTEFVNHYCC DSHLCNHNVS 101LVLEATQPPS EQPGTDGQLA LILGPVLALL ALVALGVLGL WHVRRRQEKQ 151 RGLHSELGESSLILKASEQG DSMLGDLLDS DCTTGSGSGL PFLVQRTVAR 201 QVALVECVGK GRYGEVWRGLWHGESVAVKI FSSRDEQSWF RETEIYNTVL 251 LRHDNILGFI ASDMTSRNSS TQLWLITHYHEHGSLYDFLQ RQTLEPHLAL 301 RLAVSAACGL AHLHVEIFGT QGKPAIAHRD FKSRNVLVKSNLQCCIADLG 351 LAVMHSQGSD YLDIGNNPRV GTKRYMAPEV LDEQIRTDCF ESYKWTDIWA401 FGLVLWEIAR RTIVNGIVED YRPPFYDVVP NDPSFEDMKK VVCVDQQTPT 451IPNRLAADPV LSGLAQMMRE CWYPNPSARL TALRIKKTLQ KISNSPEKPK 501 VIQ

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracelluar ALK1 polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 15) DPVKPSRGPLVTCTCESPHCKGPTCRGAWCTVVLVREEGRHPQEHRGCGNLHRELCRGRPTEFVNHYCCDSHLCNHNVSLVLEATQPPSEQPGTDGQ

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human ALK1 precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 16), corresponding to nucleotides 284-1792 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_000020.2. The signal sequence is underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 16) ATGACCTTGGGCTCCCCCAGGAAAGGCCTTCTGATGCTGCTGATGGCCTTGGTGACCCAGGGA GACCCTGTGAAGCCGTCTCGGGGCCCGCTGGTGACCTGCACGTGTGAGAGCCCACATTGCAAGGGGCCTACCTGCCGGGGGGCCTGGTGCACAGTAGTGCTGGTGCGGGAGGAGGGGAGGCACCCCCAGGAACATCGGGGCTGCGGGAACTTGCACAGGGAGCTCTGCAGGGGGCGCCCCACCGAGTTCGTCAACCACTACTGCTGCGACAGCCACCTCTGCAACCACAACGTGTCCCTGGTGCTGGAGGCCACCCAACCTCCTTCGGAGCAGCCGGGAACAGATGGCCAGCTGGCCCTGATCCTGGGCCCCGTGCTGGCCTTGCTGGCCCTGGTGGCCCTGGGTGTCCTGGGCCTGTGGCATGTCCGACGGAGGCAGGAGAAGCAGCGTGGCCTGCACAGCGAGCTGGGAGAGTCCAGTCTCATCCTGAAAGCATCTGAGCAGGGCGACAGCATGTTGGGGGACCTCCTGGACAGTGACTGCACCACAGGGAGTGGCTCAGGGCTCCCCTTCCTGGTGCAGAGGACAGTGGCACGGCAGGTTGCCTTGGTGGAGTGTGTGGGAAAAGGCCGCTATGGCGAAGTGTGGCGGGGCTTGTGGCACGGTGAGAGTGTGGCCGTCAAGATCTTCTCCTCGAGGGATGAACAGTCCTGGTTCCGGGAGACTGAGATCTATAACACAGTGTTGCTCAGACACGACAACATCCTAGGCTTCATCGCCTCAGACATGACCTCCCGCAACTCGAGCACGCAGCTGTGGCTCATCACGCACTACCACGAGCACGGCTCCCTCTACGACTTTCTGCAGAGACAGACGCTGGAGCCCCATCTGGCTCTGAGGCTAGCTGTGTCCGCGGCATGCGGCCTGGCGCACCTGCACGTGGAGATCTTCGGTACACAGGGCAAACCAGCCATTGCCCACCGCGACTTCAAGAGCCGCAATGTGCTGGTCAAGAGCAACCTGCAGTGTTGCATCGCCGACCTGGGCCTGGCTGTGATGCACTCACAGGGCAGCGATTACCTGGACATCGGCAACAACCCGAGAGTGGGCACCAAGCGGTACATGGCACCCGAGGTGCTGGACGAGCAGATCCGCACGGACTGCTTTGAGTCCTACAAGTGGACTGACATCTGGGCCTTTGGCCTGGTGCTGTGGGAGATTGCCCGCCGGACCATCGTGAATGGCATCGTGGAGGACTATAGACCACCCTTCTATGATGTGGTGCCCAATGACCCCAGCTTTGAGGACATGAAGAAGGTGGTGTGTGTGGATCAGCAGACCCCCACCATCCCTAACCGGCTGGCTGCAGACCCGGTCCTCTCAGGCCTAGCTCAGATGATGCGGGAGTGCTGGTACCCAAACCCCTCTGCCCGACTCACCGCGCTGCGGATCAAGAAGACACTACAAAAAATTAGCAACAGTCCAGAGAAGCCTAAA GTGATTCAA

A nucleic acid sequence encoding processed extracelluar ALK1 polypeptideis as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 17) GACCCTGTGAAGCCGTCTCGGGGCCCGCTGGTGACCTGCACGTGTGAGAGCCCACATTGCAAGGGGCCTACCTGCCGGGGGGCCTGGTGCACAGTAGTGCTGGTGCGGGAGGAGGGGAGGCACCCCCAGGAACATCGGGGCTGCGGGAACTTGCACAGGGAGCTCTGCAGGGGGCGCCCCACCGAGTTCGTCAACCACTACTGCTGCGACAGCCACCTCTGCAACCACAACGTGTCCCTGGTGCTGGAGGCCACCCAACCTCCTTCGGAGCAGCCGGGAACAGATGGCCAG

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK1 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK1polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK1). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK1 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:14, 15, 124, 126, 413, or 414. In some embodiments, heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure consist or consist essentially of at leastone ALK1 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%,98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 413, or 414.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK2 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK2”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-2 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK2 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK2 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK2 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK2 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK2 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK2-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK2 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:18), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The human ALK2 precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001096.1) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 18) 1 MVDGVMILPV LIMIALPSPS MEDEKPKVNP KLYMCVCEGL SCGNEDHCEG51 QQCFSSLSIN DGFHVYQKGC FQVYEQGKMT CKTPPSPGQA VECCQGDWCN 101 RNITAQLPTKGKSFPGTQNF HLEVGLIILS VVFAVCLLAC LLGVALRKFK 151 RRNQERLNPR DVEYGTIEGLITTNVGDSTL ADLLDHSCTS GSGSGLPFLV 201 QRTVARQITL LECVGKGRYG EVWRGSWQGENVAVKIFSSR DEKSWFRETE 251 LYNTVMLRHE NILGFIASDM TSRHSSTQLW LITHYHEMGSLYDYLQLTTL 301 DTVSCLRIVL SIASGLAHLH IEIFGTQGKP AIAHRDLKSK NILVKKNGQC351 CIADLGLAVM HSQSTNQLDV GNNPRVGTKR YMAPEVLDET IQVDCFDSYK 401RVDIWAFGLV LWEVARRMVS NGIVEDYKPP FYDVVPNDPS FEDMRKVVCV 451 DQQRPNIPNRWFSDPTLTSL AKLMKECWYQ NPSARLTALR IKKTLTKIDN 501 SLDKLKTDC

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK2 polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 19) MEDEKPKVNPKLYMCVCEGLSCGNEDHCEGQQCFSSLSINDGFHVYQKGCFQVYEQGKMTCKTPPSPGQAVECCQGDWCNRNITAQLPTKGKSFPGTQNF HLE

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human ALK2 precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 20), corresponding to nucleotides 431-1957 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_001105.4. The signal sequence is underlined.

(SEQ ID NO: 20) ATGGTAGATGGAGTGATGATTCTTCCTGTGCTTATCATGATTGCTCTCCCCTCCCCTAGT ATGGAAGATGAGAAGCCCAAGGTCAACCCCAAACTCTACATGTGTGTGTGTGAAGGTCTCTCCTGCGGTAATGAGGACCACTGTGAAGGCCAGCAGTGCTTTTCCTCACTGAGCATCAACGATGGCTTCCACGTCTACCAGAAAGGCTGCTTCCAGGTTTATGAGCAGGGAAAGATGACCTGTAAGACCCCGCCGTCCCCTGGCCAAGCCGTGGAGTGCTGCCAAGGGGACTGGTGTAACAGGAACATCACGGCCCAGCTGCCCACTAAAGGAAAATCCTTCCCTGGAACACAGAATTTCCACTTGGAGGTTGGCCTCATTATTCTCTCTGTAGTGTTCGCAGTATGTCTTTTAGCCTGCCTGCTGGGAGTTGCTCTCCGAAAATTTAAAAGGCGCAACCAAGAACGCCTCAATCCCCGAGACGTGGAGTATGGCACTATCGAAGGGCTCATCACCACCAATGTTGGAGACAGCACTTTAGCAGATTTATTGGATCATTCGTGTACATCAGGAAGTGGCTCTGGTCTTCCTTTTCTGGTACAAAGAACAGTGGCTCGCCAGATTACACTGTTGGAGTGTGTCGGGAAAGGCAGGTATGGTGAGGTGTGGAGGGGCAGCTGGCAAGGGGAGAATGTTGCCGTGAAGATCTTCTCCTCCCGTGATGAGAAGTCATGGTTCAGGGAAACGGAATTGTACAACACTGTGATGCTGAGGCATGAAAATATCTTAGGTTTCATTGCTTCAGACATGACATCAAGACACTCCAGTACCCAGCTGTGGTTAATTACACATTATCATGAAATGGGATCGTTGTACGACTATCTTCAGCTTACTACTCTGGATACAGTTAGCTGCCTTCGAATAGTGCTGTCCATAGCTAGTGGTCTTGCACATTTGCACATAGAGATATTTGGGACCCAAGGGAAACCAGCCATTGCCCATCGAGATTTAAAGAGCAAAAATATTCTGGTTAAGAAGAATGGACAGTGTTGCATAGCAGATTTGGGCCTGGCAGTCATGCATTCCCAGAGCACCAATCAGCTTGATGTGGGGAACAATCCCCGTGTGGGCACCAAGCGCTACATGGCCCCCGAAGTTCTAGATGAAACCATCCAGGTGGATTGTTTCGATTCTTATAAAAGGGTCGATATTTGGGCCTTTGGACTTGTTTTGTGGGAAGTGGCCAGGCGGATGGTGAGCAATGGTATAGTGGAGGATTACAAGCCACCGTTCTACGATGTGGTTCCCAATGACCCAAGTTTTGAAGATATGAGGAAGGTAGTCTGTGTGGATCAACAAAGGCCAAACATACCCAACAGATGGTTCTCAGACCCGACATTAACCTCTCTGGCCAAGCTAATGAAAGAATGCTGGTATCAAAATCCATCCGCAAGACTCACAGCACTGCGTATCAAAAAGACTTTGACCAAAATTGATAATTCCCTCGACAAATTGAAAACTGACTGT

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular ALK2 polypeptide isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 21) ATGGAAGATGAGAAGCCCAAGGTCAACCCCAAACTCTACATGTGTGTGTGTGAAGGTCTCTCCTGCGGTAATGAGGACCACTGTGAAGGCCAGCAGTGCTTTTCCTCACTGAGCATCAACGATGGCTTCCACGTCTACCAGAAAGGCTGCTTCCAGGTTTATGAGCAGGGAAAGATGACCTGTAAGACCCCGCCGTCCCCTGGCCAAGCCGTGGAGTGCTGCCAAGGGGACTGGTGTAACAGGAACATCACGGCCCAGCTGCCCACTAAAGGAAAATCCTTCCCTGGAACACAGAATTTC CACTTGGAG

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK2 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK2polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK2). In other preferred embodiments, ALK2 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK2 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18 or 19. In some embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure consist or consist essentially of at least one ALK2polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18 or 19.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK3 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK3”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-3 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK3 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK3 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK3 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK3 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK3 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK3-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK3 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:22), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The human ALK3 precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref Seq NP_004320.2) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 22) 1 MPQLYIYIRL LGAYLFIISR VQG QNLDSML HGTGMKSDSDQKKSENGVTL APEDTLPFLK 61 CYCSGHCPDD AINNTCITNG HCFAIIEEDD QGETTLASGCMKYEGSDFQC KDSPKAQLRR 121 TIECCRTNLC NQYLQPTLPP VVIGPFFDGS IRWLVLLISMAVCIIAMIIF SSCFCYKHYC 181 KSISSRRRYN RDLEQDEAFI PVGESLKDLI DQSQSSGSGSGLPLLVQRTI AKQIQMVRQV 241 GKGRYGEVWM GKWRGEKVAV KVFFTTEEAS WFRETEIYQTVLMRHENILG FIAADIKGTG 301 SWTQLYLITD YHENGSLYDF LKCATLDTRA LLKLAYSAACGLCHLHTEIY GTQGKPAIAH 361 RDLKSKNILI KKNGSCCIAD LGLAVKFNSD TNEVDVPLNTRVGTKRYMAP EVLDESLNKN 421 HFQPYIMADI YSFGLIIWEM ARRCITGGIV EEYQLPYYNMVPSDPSYEDM REVVCVKRLR 481 PIVSNRWNSD ECLRAVLKLM SECWAHNPAS RLTALRIKKTLAKMVESQDV KI

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK3 polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 23) 1 QNLDSMLHGT GMKSDSDQKK SENGVTLAPE DTLPFLKCYC SGHCPDDAINNTCITNGHCF 61 AIIEEDDQGE TTLASGCMKY EGSDFQCKDS PKAQLRRTIE CCRTNLCNQYLQPTLPPVVI 121 GPFFDGSIR

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human ALK3 precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 24), corresponding to nucleotides 549-2144 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_004329.2. The signal sequence is underlined andthe extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 24) 1ATGCCTCAGC TATACATTTA CATCAGATTA TTGGGAGCCT ATTTGTTCAT CATTTCTCGT 61GTTCAAGGA C AGAATCTGGA TAGTATGCTT CATGGCACTG GGATGAAATC AGACTCCGAC 121CAGAAAAAGT CAGAAAATGG AGTAACCTTA GCACCAGAGG ATACCTTGCC TTTTTTAAAG 181TGCTATTGCT CAGGGCACTG TCCAGATGAT GCTATTAATA ACACATGCAT AACTAATGGA 241CATTGCTTTG CCATCATAGA AGAAGATGAC CAGGGAGAAA CCACATTAGC TTCAGGGTGT 301ATGAAATATG AAGGATCTGA TTTTCAGTGC AAAGATTCTC CAAAAGCCCA GCTACGCCGG 361ACAATAGAAT GTTGTCGGAC CAATTTATGT AACCAGTATT TGCAACCCAC ACTGCCCCCT 421GTTGTCATAG GTCCGTTTTT TGATGGCAGC ATTCGATGGC TGGTTTTGCT CATTTCTATG 481GCTGTCTGCA TAATTGCTAT GATCATCTTC TCCAGCTGCT TTTGTTACAA ACATTATTGC 541AAGAGCATCT CAAGCAGACG TCGTTACAAT CGTGATTTGG AACAGGATGA AGCATTTATT 601CCAGTTGGAG AATCACTAAA AGACCTTATT GACCAGTCAC AAAGTTCTGG TAGTGGGTCT 661GGACTACCTT TATTGGTTCA GCGAACTATT GCCAAACAGA TTCAGATGGT CCGGCAAGTT 721GGTAAAGGCC GATATGGAGA AGTATGGATG GGCAAATGGC GTGGCGAAAA AGTGGCGGTG 781AAAGTATTCT TTACCACTGA AGAAGCCAGC TGGTTTCGAG AAACAGAAAT CTACCAAACT 841GTGCTAATGC GCCATGAAAA CATACTTGGT TTCATAGCGG CAGACATTAA AGGTACAGGT 901TCCTGGACTC AGCTCTATTT GATTACTGAT TACCATGAAA ATGGATCTCT CTATGACTTC 961CTGAAATGTG CTACACTGGA CACCAGAGCC CTGCTTAAAT TGGCTTATTC AGCTGCCTGT 1021GGTCTGTGCC ACCTGCACAC AGAAATTTAT GGCACCCAAG GAAAGCCCGC AATTGCTCAT 1081CGAGACCTAA AGAGCAAAAA CATCCTCATC AAGAAAAATG GGAGTTGCTG CATTGCTGAC 1141CTGGGCCTTG CTGTTAAATT CAACAGTGAC ACAAATGAAG TTGATGTGCC CTTGAATACC 1201AGGGTGGGCA CCAAACGCTA CATGGCTCCC GAAGTGCTGG ACGAAAGCCT GAACAAAAAC 1261CACTTCCAGC CCTACATCAT GGCTGACATC TACAGCTTCG GCCTAATCAT TTGGGAGATG 1321GCTCGTCGTT GTATCACAGG AGGGATCGTG GAAGAATACC AATTGCCATA TTACAACATG 1381GTACCGAGTG ATCCGTCATA CGAAGATATG CGTGAGGTTG TGTGTGTCAA ACGTTTGCGG 1441CCAATTGTGT CTAATCGGTG GAACAGTGAT GAATGTCTAC GAGCAGTTTT GAAGCTAATG 1501TCAGAATGCT GGGCCCACAA TCCAGCCTCC AGACTCACAG CATTGAGAAT TAAGAAGACG 1561CTTGCCAAGA TGGTTGAATC CCAAGATGTA AAAATC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracelluar human ALK3 polypeptideis as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 25) 1 CAGAATCTGG ATAGTATGCT TCATGGCACT GGGATGAAAT CAGACTCCGACCAGAAAAAG 61 TCAGAAAATG GAGTAACCTT AGCACCAGAG GATACCTTGC CTTTTTTAAAGTGCTATTGC 121 TCAGGGCACT GTCCAGATGA TGCTATTAAT AACACATGCA TAACTAATGGACATTGCTTT 181 GCCATCATAG AAGAAGATGA CCAGGGAGAA ACCACATTAG CTTCAGGGTGTATGAAATAT 241 GAAGGATCTG ATTTTCAGTG CAAAGATTCT CCAAAAGCCC AGCTACGCCGGACAATAGAA 301 TGTTGTCGGA CCAATTTATG TAACCAGTAT TTGCAACCCA CACTGCCCCCTGTTGTCATA 361 GGTCCGTTTT TTGATGGCAG CATTCGA

A general formula for an active (e.g., ligand binding) ALK3 polypeptideis one that comprises a polypeptide that begins at any amino acidposition 25-31 (i.e., position 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31) of SEQ IDNO: 22 and ends at any amino acid position 140-152 of SEQ ID NO: 22(i.e., 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, or152). See U.S. Pat. No. 8,338,377, the teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK3 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK3polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK3). In other preferred embodiments, ALK3 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consistsessentially of an amino acid beginning at any amino acid position 25-31(i.e., position 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31) of SEQ ID NO: 22 andending at any amino acid position 140-153 of SEQ ID NO: 22 (i.e., 140,141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, or 152) of SEQ IDNO: 22. In some embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurecomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 22, 23, 115, 117, 407, or 408. In some embodiments,heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure consist or consistessentially of at least one ALK3 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 22, 23, 115, 117, 407, or 408.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK4 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK4”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-4 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK4 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK4 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK4 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK4 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK4 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK4-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK4 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:26), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The canonical human ALK4 precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref SeqNP_004293) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 26) 1 MAESAGASSF FPLVVLLLAG SGG SGPRGVQ ALLCACTSCLQANYTCETDG ACMVSIFNLD 61 GMEHHVRTCI PKVELVPAGK PFYCLSSEDL RNTHCCYTDYCNRIDLRVPS GHLKEPEHPS 121 MWGPVELVGI IAGPVFLLFL IIIIVFLVIN YHQRVYHNRQRLDMEDPSCE MCLSKDKTLQ 181 DLVYDLSTSG SGSGLPLFVQ RTVARTIVLQ EIIGKGRFGEVWRGRWRGGD VAVKIFSSRE 241 ERSWFREAEI YQTVMLRHEN ILGFIAADNK DNGTWTQLWLVSDYHEHGSL FDYLNRYTVT 301 IEGMIKLALS AASGLAHLHM EIVGTQGKPG IAHRDLKSKNILVKKNGMCA IADLGLAVRH 361 DAVTDTIDIA PNQRVGTKRY MAPEVLDETI NMKHFDSFKCADIYALGLVY WEIARRCNSG 421 GVHEEYQLPY YDLVPSDPSI EEMRKVVCDQ KLRPNIPNWWQSYEALRVMG KMMRECWYAN 481 GAARLTALRI KKTLSQLSVQ EDVKI

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular human ALK4 polypeptide sequence is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 27) SGPRGVQALLCACTSCLQANYTCETDGACMVSIFNLDGMEHHVRTCIPKVELVPAGKPFYCLSSEDLRNTHCCYTDYCNRIDLRVPSGHLKEPEHPSMWG PVE

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the ALK4 precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 28), corresponding to nucleotides 78-1592 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_004302.4. The signal sequence is underlined andthe extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 28) ATGGCGGAGTCGGCCGGAGCCTCCTCCTTCTTCCCCCTTGTTGTCCTCCTGCTCGCCGGCAGCGGCGGG TCCGGGCCCCGGGGGGTCCAGGCTCTGCTGTGTGCGTGCACCAGCTGCCTCCAGGCCAACTACACGTGTGAGACAGATGGGGCCTGCATGGTTTCCATTTTCAATCTGGATGGGATGGAGCACCATGTGCGCACCTGCATCCCCAAAGTGGAGCTGGTCCCTGCCGGGAAGCCCTTCTACTGCCTGAGCTCGGAGGACCTGCGCAACACCCACTGCTGCTACACTGACTACTGCAACAGGATCGACTTGAGGGTGCCCAGTGGTCACCTCAAGGAGCCTGAGCACCCGTCCATGTGGGGCCCGGTGGAGCTGGTAGGCATCATCGCCGGCCCGGTGTTCCTCCTGTTCCTCATCATCATCATTGTTTTCCTTGTCATTAACTATCATCAGCGTGTCTATCACAACCGCCAGAGACTGGACATGGAAGATCCCTCATGTGAGATGTGTCTCTCCAAAGACAAGACGCTCCAGGATCTTGTCTACGATCTCTCCACCTCAGGGTCTGGCTCAGGGTTACCCCTCTTTGTCCAGCGCACAGTGGCCCGAACCATCGTTTTACAAGAGATTATTGGCAAGGGTCGGTTTGGGGAAGTATGGCGGGGCCGCTGGAGGGGTGGTGATGTGGCTGTGAAAATATTCTCTTCTCGTGAAGAACGGTCTTGGTTCAGGGAAGCAGAGATATACCAGACGGTCATGCTGCGCCATGAAAACATCCTTGGATTTATTGCTGCTGACAATAAAGATAATGGCACCTGGACACAGCTGTGGCTTGTTTCTGACTATCATGAGCACGGGTCCCTGTTTGATTATCTGAACCGGTACACAGTGACAATTGAGGGGATGATTAAGCTGGCCTTGTCTGCTGCTAGTGGGCTGGCACACCTGCACATGGAGATCGTGGGCACCCAAGGGAAGCCTGGAATTGCTCATCGAGACTTAAAGTCAAAGAACATTCTGGTGAAGAAAAATGGCATGTGTGCCATAGCAGACCTGGGCCTGGCTGTCCGTCATGATGCAGTCACTGACACCATTGACATTGCCCCGAATCAGAGGGTGGGGACCAAACGATACATGGCCCCTGAAGTACTTGATGAAACCATTAATATGAAACACTTTGACTCCTTTAAATGTGCTGATATTTATGCCCTCGGGCTTGTATATTGGGAGATTGCTCGAAGATGCAATTCTGGAGGAGTCCATGAAGAATATCAGCTGCCATATTACGACTTAGTGCCCTCTGACCCTTCCATTGAGGAAATGCGAAAGGTTGTATGTGATCAGAAGCTGCGTCCCAACATCCCCAACTGGTGGCAGAGTTATGAGGCACTGCGGGTGATGGGGAAGATGATGCGAGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGCGCAGCCCGCCTGACGGCCCTGCGCATCAAGAAGACCCTCTCCCAGCTCAGCGTGCAG GAAGACGTGAAGATC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular ALK4 polypeptide isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 29) TCCGGGCCCCGGGGGGTCCAGGCTCTGCTGTGTGCGTGCACCAGCTGCCTCCAGGCCAACTACACGTGTGAGACAGATGGGGCCTGCATGGTTTCCATTTTCAATCTGGATGGGATGGAGCACCATGTGCGCACCTGCATCCCCAAAGTGGAGCTGGTCCCTGCCGGGAAGCCCTTCTACTGCCTGAGCTCGGAGGACCTGCGCAACACCCACTGCTGCTACACTGACTACTGCAACAGGATCGACTTGAGGGTGCCCAGTGGTCACCTCAAGGAGCCTGAGCACCCGTCCATGTGGGGC CCGGTGGAG

An alternative isoform of human ALK4 precursor protein sequence, isoformC (NCBI Ref Seq NP_064733.3), is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 83) 1 MAESAGASSF FPLVVLLLAG SGG SGPRGVQ ALLCACTSCLQANYTCETDG ACMVSIFNLD 61 GMEHHVRTCI PKVELVPAGK PFYCLSSEDL RNTHCCYTDYCNRIDLRVPS GHLKEPEHPS 121 MWGPVELVGI IAGPVFLLFL IIIIVFLVIN YHQRVYHNRQRLDMEDPSCE MCLSKDKTLQ 181 DLVYDLSTSG SGSGLPLFVQ RTVARTIVLQ EIIGKGRFGEVWRGRWRGGD VAVKIFSSRE 241 ERSWFREAEI YQTVMLRHEN ILGFIAADNK ADCSFLTLPWEVVMVSAAPK LRSLRLQYKG 301 GRGRARFLFP LNNGTWTQLW LVSDYHEHGS LFDYLNRYTVTIEGMIKLAL SAASGLAHLH 361 MEIVGTQGKP GIAHRDLKSK NILVKKNGMC AIADLGLAVRHDAVTDTIDI APNQRVGTKR 421 YMAPEVLDET INMKHFDSFK CADIYALGLV YWEIARRCNSGGVHEEYQLP YYDLVPSDPS 481 IEEMRKVVCD QKLRPNIPNW WQSYEALRVM GKMMRECWYANGAARLTALR IKKTLSQLSV 541 QEDVKI

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK4 polypeptide sequence (isoform C) is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 84) SGPRGVQALLCACTSCLQANYTCETDGACMVSIFNLDGMEHHVRTCIPKVELVPAGKPFYCLSSEDLRNTHCCYTDYCNRIDLRVPSGHLKEPEHPSMWG PVE

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the ALK4 precursor protein (isoform C)is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 85), corresponding to nucleotides 78-1715 ofGenbank Reference Sequence NM_020328.3. The signal sequence isunderlined and the extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 85) ATGGCGGAGTCGGCCGGAGCCTCCTCCTTCTTCCCCCTTGTTGTCCTCCTGCTCGCCGGCAGCGGCGGG TCCGGGCCCCGGGGGGTCCAGGCTCTGCTGTGTGCGTGCACCAGCTGCCTCCAGGCCAACTACACGTGTGAGACAGATGGGGCCTGCATGGTTTCCATTTTCAATCTGGATGGGATGGAGCACCATGTGCGCACCTGCATCCCCAAAGTGGAGCTGGTCCCTGCCGGGAAGCCCTTCTACTGCCTGAGCTCGGAGGACCTGCGCAACACCCACTGCTGCTACACTGACTACTGCAACAGGATCGACTTGAGGGTGCCCAGTGGTCACCTCAAGGAGCCTGAGCACCCGTCCATGTGGGGCCCGGTGGAGCTGGTAGGCATCATCGCCGGCCCGGTGTTCCTCCTGTTCCTCATCATCATCATTGTTTTCCTTGTCATTAACTATCATCAGCGTGTCTATCACAACCGCCAGAGACTGGACATGGAAGATCCCTCATGTGAGATGTGTCTCTCCAAAGACAAGACGCTCCAGGATCTTGTCTACGATCTCTCCACCTCAGGGTCTGGCTCAGGGTTACCCCTCTTTGTCCAGCGCACAGTGGCCCGAACCATCGTTTTACAAGAGATTATTGGCAAGGGTCGGTTTGGGGAAGTATGGCGGGGCCGCTGGAGGGGTGGTGATGTGGCTGTGAAAATATTCTCTTCTCGTGAAGAACGGTCTTGGTTCAGGGAAGCAGAGATATACCAGACGGTCATGCTGCGCCATGAAAACATCCTTGGATTTATTGCTGCTGACAATAAAGCAGACTGCTCATTCCTCACATTGCCATGGGAAGTTGTAATGGTCTCTGCTGCCCCCAAGCTGAGGAGCCTTAGACTCCAATACAAGGGAGGAAGGGGAAGAGCAAGATTTTTATTCCCACTGAATAATGGCACCTGGACACAGCTGTGGCTTGTTTCTGACTATCATGAGCACGGGTCCCTGTTTGATTATCTGAACCGGTACACAGTGACAATTGAGGGGATGATTAAGCTGGCCTTGTCTGCTGCTAGTGGGCTGGCACACCTGCACATGGAGATCGTGGGCACCCAAGGGAAGCCTGGAATTGCTCATCGAGACTTAAAGTCAAAGAACATTCTGGTGAAGAAAAATGGCATGTGTGCCATAGCAGACCTGGGCCTGGCTGTCCGTCATGATGCAGTCACTGACACCATTGACATTGCCCCGAATCAGAGGGTGGGGACCAAACGATACATGGCCCCTGAAGTACTTGATGAAACCATTAATATGAAACACTTTGACTCCTTTAAATGTGCTGATATTTATGCCCTCGGGCTTGTATATTGGGAGATTGCTCGAAGATGCAATTCTGGAGGAGTCCATGAAGAATATCAGCTGCCATATTACGACTTAGTGCCCTCTGACCCTTCCATTGAGGAAATGCGAAAGGTTGTATGTGATCAGAAGCTGCGTCCCAACATCCCCAACTGGTGGCAGAGTTATGAGGCACTGCGGGTGATGGGGAAGATGATGCGAGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGCGCAGCCCGCCTGACGGCCCTGCGCATCAAGAAGACCCTCTCCCAGCTCAGCGTGCAGGAAGACGTGAAGATC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracelluar ALK4 polypeptide(isoform C) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 86) TCCGGGCCCCGGGGGGTCCAGGCTCTGCTGTGTGCGTGCACCAGCTGCCTCCAGGCCAACTACACGTGTGAGACAGATGGGGCCTGCATGGTTTCCATTTTCAATCTGGATGGGATGGAGCACCATGTGCGCACCTGCATCCCCAAAGTGGAGCTGGTCCCTGCCGGGAAGCCCTTCTACTGCCTGAGCTCGGAGGACCTGCGCAACACCCACTGCTGCTACACTGACTACTGCAACAGGATCGACTTGAGGGTGCCCAGTGGTCACCTCAAGGAGCCTGAGCACCCGTCCATGTGGGGC CCGGTGGAG

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK4 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK4polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK4). In other preferred embodiments, ALK4 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK4 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 403, or 404. In some embodiments,heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure consist or consistessentially of at least one ALK4 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 403, or 404.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK5 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK5”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-5 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK4 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK5 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK5 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK5 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK5 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK5-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK5 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:30), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The canonical human ALK5 precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref SeqNP_004603.1) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 30) 1 MEAAVAAPRP RLLLLVLAAA AAAA AALLPG ATALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVT DGLCFVSVTE 61 TTDKVIHNSM CIAEIDLIPR DRPFVCAPSS KTGSVTTTYCCNQDHCNKIE LPTTVKSSPG 121 LGPVELAAVI AGPVCFVCIS LMLMVYICHN RTVIHHRVPNEEDPSLDRPF ISEGTTLKDL 181 IYDMTTSGSG SGLPLLVQRT IARTIVLQES IGKGRFGEVWRGKWRGEEVA VKIFSSREER 241 SWFREAEIYQ TVMLRHENIL GFIAADNKDN GTWTQLWLVSDYHEHGSLFD YLNRYTVTVE 301 GMIKLALSTA SGLAHLHMEI VGTQGKPAIA HRDLKSKNILVKKNGTCCIA DLGLAVRHDS 361 ATDTIDIAPN HRVGTKRYMA PEVLDDSINM KHFESFKRADIYAMGLVFWE IARRCSIGGI 421 HEDYQLPYYD LVPSDPSVEE MRKVVCEQKL RPNIPNRWQSCEALRVMAKI MRECWYANGA 481 ARLTALRIKK TLSQLSQQEG IKM

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK5 polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 31) AALLPGATALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVTDGLCFVSVTETTDKVIHNSMCIAEIDLIPRDRPFVCAPSSKTGSVTTTYCCNQDHCNKIELPTTVKSSPGLGP VEL

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the ALK5 precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 32), corresponding to nucleotides 77-1585 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_004612.2. The signal sequence is underlined andthe extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 32) ATGGAGGCGGCGGTCGCTGCTCCGCGTCCCCGGCTGCTCCTCCTCGTGCTGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCG GCGGCGCTGCTCCCGGGGGCGACGGCGTTACAGTGTTTCTGCCACCTCTGTACAAAAGACAATTTTACTTGTGTGACAGATGGGCTCTGCTTTGTCTCTGTCACAGAGACCACAGACAAAGTTATACACAACAGCATGTGTATAGCTGAAATTGACTTAATTCCTCGAGATAGGCCGTTTGTATGTGCACCCTCTTCAAAAACTGGGTCTGTGACTACAACATATTGCTGCAATCAGGACCATTGCAATAAAATAGAACTTCCAACTACTGTAAAGTCATCACCTGGCCTTGGTCCTGTGGAACTGGCAGCTGTCATTGCTGGACCAGTGTGCTTCGTCTGCATCTCACTCATGTTGATGGTCTATATCTGCCACAACCGCACTGTCATTCACCATCGAGTGCCAAATGAAGAGGACCCTTCATTAGATCGCCCTTTTATTTCAGAGGGTACTACGTTGAAAGACTTAATTTATGATATGACAACGTCAGGTTCTGGCTCAGGTTTACCATTGCTTGTTCAGAGAACAATTGCGAGAACTATTGTGTTACAAGAAAGCATTGGCAAAGGTCGATTTGGAGAAGTTTGGAGAGGAAAGTGGCGGGGAGAAGAAGTTGCTGTTAAGATATTCTCCTCTAGAGAAGAACGTTCGTGGTTCCGTGAGGCAGAGATTTATCAAACTGTAATGTTACGTCATGAAAACATCCTGGGATTTATAGCAGCAGACAATAAAGACAATGGTACTTGGACTCAGCTCTGGTTGGTGTCAGATTATCATGAGCATGGATCCCTTTTTGATTACTTAAACAGATACACAGTTACTGTGGAAGGAATGATAAAACTTGCTCTGTCCACGGCGAGCGGTCTTGCCCATCTTCACATGGAGATTGTTGGTACCCAAGGAAAGCCAGCCATTGCTCATAGAGATTTGAAATCAAAGAATATCTTGGTAAAGAAGAATGGAACTTGCTGTATTGCAGACTTAGGACTGGCAGTAAGACATGATTCAGCCACAGATACCATTGATATTGCTCCAAACCACAGAGTGGGAACAAAAAGGTACATGGCCCCTGAAGTTCTCGATGATTCCATAAATATGAAACATTTTGAATCCTTCAAACGTGCTGACATCTATGCAATGGGCTTAGTATTCTGGGAAATTGCTCGACGATGTTCCATTGGTGGAATTCATGAAGATTACCAACTGCCTTATTATGATCTTGTACCTTCTGACCCATCAGTTGAAGAAATGAGAAAAGTTGTTTGTGAACAGAAGTTAAGGCCAAATATCCCAAACAGATGGCAGAGCTGTGAAGCCTTGAGAGTAATGGCTAAAATTATGAGAGAATGTTGGTATGCCAATGGAGCAGCTAGGCTTACAGCATTGCGGATTAAGAAAACATTATCGCAACTCAGTCAACAGGAAGGC ATCAAAATG

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular human ALK5polypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 33) GCGGCGCTGCTCCCGGGGGCGACGGCGTTACAGTGTTTCTGCCACCTCTGTACAAAAGACAATTTTACTTGTGTGACAGATGGGCTCTGCTTTGTCTCTGTCACAGAGACCACAGACAAAGTTATACACAACAGCATGTGTATAGCTGAAATTGACTTAATTCCTCGAGATAGGCCGTTTGTATGTGCACCCTCTTCAAAAACTGGGTCTGTGACTACAACATATTGCTGCAATCAGGACCATTGCAATAAAATAGAACTTCCAACTACTGTAAAGTCATCACCTGGCCTTGGTCCTGTG GAACTG

An alternative isoform of the human ALK5 precursor protein sequence,isoform 2 (NCBI Ref Seq XP_005252207.1), is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 87) 1 MEAAVAAPRP RLLLLVLAAA AAAA AALLPG ATALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVT DGLCFVSVTE 61 TTDKVIHNSM CIAEIDLIPR DRPFVCAPSS KTGSVTTTYCCNQDHCNKIE LPTTGPFSVK 121 SSPGLGPVEL AAVIAGPVCF VCISLMLMVY ICHNRTVIHHRVPNEEDPSL DRPFISEGTT 181 LKDLIYDMTT SGSGSGLPLL VQRTIARTIV LQESIGKGRFGEVWRGKWRG EEVAVKIFSS 241 REERSWFREA EIYQTVMLRH ENILGFIAAD NKDNGTWTQLWLVSDYHEHG SLFDYLNRYT 301 VTVEGMIKLA LSTASGLAHL HMEIVGTQGK PAIAHRDLKSKNILVKKNGT CCIADLGLAV 361 RHDSATDTID IAPNHRVGTK RYMAPEVLDD SINMKHFESFKRADIYAMGL VFWEIARRCS 421 IGGIHEDYQL PYYDLVPSDP SVEEMRKVVC EQKLRPNIPNRWQSCEALRV MAKIMRECWY 481 ANGAARLTAL RIKKTLSQLS QQEGIKM

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK5 polypeptide sequence (isoform 2) is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 88) AALLPGATALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVTDGLCFVSVTETTDKVIHNSMCIAEIDLIPRDRPFVCAPSSKTGSVTTTYCCNQDHCNKIELPTTGPFSVKSSPG LGPVEL

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human ALK5 precursor protein (isoform2) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 89), corresponding to nucleotides 77-1597of Genbank Reference Sequence XM_0052521501 The signal sequence isunderlined and the extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 89) ATGGAGGCGGCGGTCGCTGCTCCGCGTCCCCGGCTGCTCCTCCTCGTGCTGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCGGCG GCGGCGCTGCTCCCGGGGGCGACGGCGTTACAGTGTTTCTGCCACCTCTGTACAAAAGACAATTTTACTTGTGTGACAGATGGGCTCTGCTTTGTCTCTGTCACAGAGACCACAGACAAAGTTATACACAACAGCATGTGTATAGCTGAAATTGACTTAATTCCTCGAGATAGGCCGTTTGTATGTGCACCCTCTTCAAAAACTGGGTCTGTGACTACAACATATTGCTGCAATCAGGACCATTGCAATAAAATAGAACTTCCAACTACTGGCCCTTTTTCAGTAAAGTCATCACCTGGCCTTGGTCCTGTGGAACTGGCAGCTGTCATTGCTGGACCAGTGTGCTTCGTCTGCATCTCACTCATGTTGATGGTCTATATCTGCCACAACCGCACTGTCATTCACCATCGAGTGCCAAATGAAGAGGACCCTTCATTAGATCGCCCTTTTATTTCAGAGGGTACTACGTTGAAAGACTTAATTTATGATATGACAACGTCAGGTTCTGGCTCAGGTTTACCATTGCTTGTTCAGAGAACAATTGCGAGAACTATTGTGTTACAAGAAAGCATTGGCAAAGGTCGATTTGGAGAAGTTTGGAGAGGAAAGTGGCGGGGAGAAGAAGTTGCTGTTAAGATATTCTCCTCTAGAGAAGAACGTTCGTGGTTCCGTGAGGCAGAGATTTATCAAACTGTAATGTTACGTCATGAAAACATCCTGGGATTTATAGCAGCAGACAATAAAGACAATGGTACTTGGACTCAGCTCTGGTTGGTGTCAGATTATCATGAGCATGGATCCCTTTTTGATTACTTAAACAGATACACAGTTACTGTGGAAGGAATGATAAAACTTGCTCTGTCCACGGCGAGCGGTCTTGCCCATCTTCACATGGAGATTGTTGGTACCCAAGGAAAGCCAGCCATTGCTCATAGAGATTTGAAATCAAAGAATATCTTGGTAAAGAAGAATGGAACTTGCTGTATTGCAGACTTAGGACTGGCAGTAAGACATGATTCAGCCACAGATACCATTGATATTGCTCCAAACCACAGAGTGGGAACAAAAAGGTACATGGCCCCTGAAGTTCTCGATGATTCCATAAATATGAAACATTTTGAATCCTTCAAACGTGCTGACATCTATGCAATGGGCTTAGTATTCTGGGAAATTGCTCGACGATGTTCCATTGGTGGAATTCATGAAGATTACCAACTGCCTTATTATGATCTTGTACCTTCTGACCCATCAGTTGAAGAAATGAGAAAAGTTGTTTGTGAACAGAAGTTAAGGCCAAATATCCCAAACAGATGGCAGAGCTGTGAAGCCTTGAGAGTAATGGCTAAAATTATGAGAGAATGTTGGTATGCCAATGGAGCAGCTAGGCTTACAGCATTGCGGATTAAGAAAACATTATCGCAACTCAGT CAACAGGAAGGCATCAAAATG

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed extracellular ALK5polypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 90) GCGGCGCTGCTCCCGGGGGCGACGGCGTTACAGTGTTTCTGCCACCTCTGTACAAAAGACAATTTTACTTGTGTGACAGATGGGCTCTGCTTTGTCTCTGTCACAGAGACCACAGACAAAGTTATACACAACAGCATGTGTATAGCTGAAATTGACTTAATTCCTCGAGATAGGCCGTTTGTATGTGCACCCTCTTCAAAAACTGGGTCTGTGACTACAACATATTGCTGCAATCAGGACCATTGCAATAAAATAGAACTTCCAACTACTGGCCCTTTTTCAGTAAAGTCATCACCTGGC CTTGGTCCTGTGGAACTG

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK5 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK5polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK5). In other preferred embodiments, ALK5 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK5 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:30, 31, 87, or 88. In some embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure consist or consist essentially of at least one ALK5polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30, 31, 87, or88.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK6 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK6”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-6 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK6 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK6 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK6 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK6 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK6 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK6-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK6 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:34), unless specifically designated otherwise.

The canonical human ALK6 precursor protein sequence (NCBI Ref SeqNP_001194.1) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 34) 1 MLLRSAGKLN VGT KKEDGES TAPTPRPKVL RCKCHHHCPEDSVNNICSTD GYCFTMIEED 61 DSGLPVVTSG CLGLEGSDFQ CRDTPIPHQR RSIECCTERNECNKDLHPTL PPLKNRDFVD 121 GPIHHRALLI SVTVCSLLLV LIILFCYFRY KRQETRPRYSIGLEQDETYI PPGESLRDLI 181 EQSQSSGSGS GLPLLVQRTI AKQIQMVKQI GKGRYGEVWMGKWRGEKVAV KVFFTTEEAS 241 WFRETEIYQT VLMRHENILG FIAADIKGTG SWTQLYLITDYHENGSLYDY LKSTTLDAKS 301 MLKLAYSSVS GLCHLHTEIF STQGKPAIAH RDLKSKNILVKKNGTCCIAD LGLAVKFISD 361 TNEVDIPPNT RVGTKRYMPP EVLDESLNRN HFQSYIMADMYSFGLILWEV ARRCVSGGIV 421 EEYQLPYHDL VPSDPSYEDM REIVCIKKLR PSFPNRWSSDECLRQMGKLM TECWAHNPAS 481 RLTALRVKKT LAKMSESQDI KL

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK6 polypeptide sequence is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 35) KKEDGESTAPTPRPKVLRCKCHHHCPEDSVNNICSTDGYCFTMIEEDDSGLPVVTSGCLGLEGSDFQCRDTPIPHQRRSIECCTERNECNKDLHPTLPPL KNRDFVDGPIHHR

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the ALK6 precursor protein is shownbelow (SEQ ID NO: 36), corresponding to nucleotides 275-1780 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_001203.2. The signal sequence is underlined andthe extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 36) ATGCTTTTGCGAAGTGCAGGAAAATTAAATGTGGGCACC AAGAAAGAGGATGGTGAGAGTACAGCCCCCACCCCCCGTCCAAAGGTCTTGCGTTGTAAATGCCACCACCATTGTCCAGAAGACTCAGTCAACAATATTTGCAGCACAGACGGATATTGTTTCACGATGATAGAAGAGGATGACTCTGGGTTGCCTGTGGTCACTTCTGGTTGCCTAGGACTAGAAGGCTCAGATTTTCAGTGTCGGGACACTCCCATTCCTCATCAAAGAAGATCAATTGAATGCTGCACAGAAAGGAACGAATGTAATAAAGACCTACACCCTACACTGCCTCCATTGAAAAACAGAGATTTTGTTGATGGACCTATACACCACAGGGCTTTACTTATATCTGTGACTGTCTGTAGTTTGCTCTTGGTCCTTATCATATTATTTTGTTACTTCCGGTATAAAAGACAAGAAACCAGACCTCGATACAGCATTGGGTTAGAACAGGATGAAACTTACATTCCTCCTGGAGAATCCCTGAGAGACTTAATTGAGCAGTCTCAGAGCTCAGGAAGTGGATCAGGCCTCCCTCTGCTGGTCCAAAGGACTATAGCTAAGCAGATTCAGATGGTGAAACAGATTGGAAAAGGTCGCTATGGGGAAGTTTGGATGGGAAAGTGGCGTGGCGAAAAGGTAGCTGTGAAAGTGTTCTTCACCACAGAGGAAGCCAGCTGGTTCAGAGAGACAGAAATATATCAGACAGTGTTGATGAGGCATGAAAACATTTTGGGTTTCATTGCTGCAGATATCAAAGGGACAGGGTCCTGGACCCAGTTGTACCTAATCACAGACTATCATGAAAATGGTTCCCTTTATGATTATCTGAAGTCCACCACCCTAGACGCTAAATCAATGCTGAAGTTAGCCTACTCTTCTGTCAGTGGCTTATGTCATTTACACACAGAAATCTTTAGTACTCAAGGCAAACCAGCAATTGCCCATCGAGATCTGAAAAGTAAAAACATTCTGGTGAAGAAAAATGGAACTTGCTGTATTGCTGACCTGGGCCTGGCTGTTAAATTTATTAGTGATACAAATGAAGTTGACATACCACCTAACACTCGAGTTGGCACCAAACGCTATATGCCTCCAGAAGTGTTGGACGAGAGCTTGAACAGAAATCACTTCCAGTCTTACATCATGGCTGACATGTATAGTTTTGGCCTCATCCTTTGGGAGGTTGCTAGGAGATGTGTATCAGGAGGTATAGTGGAAGAATACCAGCTTCCTTATCATGACCTAGTGCCCAGTGACCCCTCTTATGAGGACATGAGGGAGATTGTGTGCATCAAGAAGTTACGCCCCTCATTCCCAAACCGGTGGAGCAGTGATGAGTGTCTAAGGCAGATGGGAAAACTCATGACAGAATGCTGGGCTCACAATCCTGCATCAAGGCTGACAGCCCTGCGGGTTAAGAAAACACTTGCCAAAATGTCAGAGTCCCAGGACATT AAACTC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding processed extracellular ALK6polypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 37) AAGAAAGAGGATGGTGAGAGTACAGCCCCCACCCCCCGTCCAAAGGTCTTGCGTTGTAAATGCCACCACCATTGTCCAGAAGACTCAGTCAACAATATTTGCAGCACAGACGGATATTGTTTCACGATGATAGAAGAGGATGACTCTGGGTTGCCTGTGGTCACTTCTGGTTGCCTAGGACTAGAAGGCTCAGATTTTCAGTGTCGGGACACTCCCATTCCTCATCAAAGAAGATCAATTGAATGCTGCACAGAAAGGAACGAATGTAATAAAGACCTACACCCTACACTGCCTCCATTGAAAAACAGAGATTTTGTTGATGGACCTATACACCACAGG

An alternative isoform of human ALK6 precursor protein sequence, isoform2 (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001243722.1) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 91) 1 MGWLEELNWQ LHIFLLILLS MHTRA NFLDN MLLRSAGKLNVGTKKEDGES TAPTPRPKVL 61 RCKCHHHCPE DSVNNICSTD GYCFTMIEED DSGLPVVTSGCLGLEGSDFQ CRDTPIPHQR 121 RSIECCTERN ECNKDLHPTL PPLKNRDFVD GPIHHRALLISVTVCSLLLV LIILFCYFRY 181 KRQETRPRYS IGLEQDETYI PPGESLRDLI EQSQSSGSGSGLPLLVQRTI AKQIQMVKQI 241 GKGRYGEVWM GKWRGEKVAV KVFFTTEEAS WFRETEIYQTVLMRHENILG FIAADIKGTG 301 SWTQLYLITD YHENGSLYDY LKSTTLDAKS MLKLAYSSVSGLCHLHTEIF STQGKPAIAH 361 RDLKSKNILV KKNGTCCIAD LGLAVKFISD TNEVDIPPNTRVGTKRYMPP EVLDESLNRN 421 HFQSYIMADM YSFGLILWEV ARRCVSGGIV EEYQLPYHDLVPSDPSYEDM REIVCIKKLR 481 PSFPNRWSSD ECLRQMGKLM TECWAHNPAS RLTALRVKKTLAKMSESQDI KL

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK6 polypeptide sequence (isoform 2) is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 92) NFLDNMLLRSAGKLNVGTKKEDGESTAPTPRPKVLRCKCHHHCPEDSVNNICSTDGYCFTMIEEDDSGLPVVTSGCLGLEGSDFQCRDTPIPHQRRSIECCTERNECNKDLHPTLPPLKNRDFVDGPIHHR

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human ALK6 precursor protein (isoform2) is shown below, corresponding to nucleotides 22-1617 of GenbankReference Sequence NM_001256793.1. The signal sequence is underlined andthe extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 93) ATGGGTTGGCTGGAAGAACTAAACTGGCAGCTTCACATTTTCTTGCTCATTCTTCTCTCTATGCACACAAGGGCA AACTTCCTTGATAACATGCTTTTGCGAAGTGCAGGAAAATTAAATGTGGGCACCAAGAAAGAGGATGGTGAGAGTACAGCCCCCACCCCCCGTCCAAAGGTCTTGCGTTGTAAATGCCACCACCATTGTCCAGAAGACTCAGTCAACAATATTTGCAGCACAGACGGATATTGTTTCACGATGATAGAAGAGGATGACTCTGGGTTGCCTGTGGTCACTTCTGGTTGCCTAGGACTAGAAGGCTCAGATTTTCAGTGTCGGGACACTCCCATTCCTCATCAAAGAAGATCAATTGAATGCTGCACAGAAAGGAACGAATGTAATAAAGACCTACACCCTACACTGCCTCCATTGAAAAACAGAGATTTTGTTGATGGACCTATACACCACAGGGCTTTACTTATATCTGTGACTGTCTGTAGTTTGCTCTTGGTCCTTATCATATTATTTTGTTACTTCCGGTATAAAAGACAAGAAACCAGACCTCGATACAGCATTGGGTTAGAACAGGATGAAACTTACATTCCTCCTGGAGAATCCCTGAGAGACTTAATTGAGCAGTCTCAGAGCTCAGGAAGTGGATCAGGCCTCCCTCTGCTGGTCCAAAGGACTATAGCTAAGCAGATTCAGATGGTGAAACAGATTGGAAAAGGTCGCTATGGGGAAGTTTGGATGGGAAAGTGGCGTGGCGAAAAGGTAGCTGTGAAAGTGTTCTTCACCACAGAGGAAGCCAGCTGGTTCAGAGAGACAGAAATATATCAGACAGTGTTGATGAGGCATGAAAACATTTTGGGTTTCATTGCTGCAGATATCAAAGGGACAGGGTCCTGGACCCAGTTGTACCTAATCACAGACTATCATGAAAATGGTTCCCTTTATGATTATCTGAAGTCCACCACCCTAGACGCTAAATCAATGCTGAAGTTAGCCTACTCTTCTGTCAGTGGCTTATGTCATTTACACACAGAAATCTTTAGTACTCAAGGCAAACCAGCAATTGCCCATCGAGATCTGAAAAGTAAAAACATTCTGGTGAAGAAAAATGGAACTTGCTGTATTGCTGACCTGGGCCTGGCTGTTAAATTTATTAGTGATACAAATGAAGTTGACATACCACCTAACACTCGAGTTGGCACCAAACGCTATATGCCTCCAGAAGTGTTGGACGAGAGCTTGAACAGAAATCACTTCCAGTCTTACATCATGGCTGACATGTATAGTTTTGGCCTCATCCTTTGGGAGGTTGCTAGGAGATGTGTATCAGGAGGTATAGTGGAAGAATACCAGCTTCCTTATCATGACCTAGTGCCCAGTGACCCCTCTTATGAGGACATGAGGGAGATTGTGTGCATCAAGAAGTTACGCCCCTCATTCCCAAACCGGTGGAGCAGTGATGAGTGTCTAAGGCAGATGGGAAAACTCATGACAGAATGCTGGGCTCACAATCCTGCATCAAGGCTGACAGCCCTGCGGGTTAAGAAAACACTTGCCAAAATGTCAGAGTCCCAGGACATTAAACTC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed extracellular ALK6polypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 94) AACTTCCTTGATAACATGCTTTTGCGAAGTGCAGGAAAATTAAATGTGGGCACCAAGAAAGAGGATGGTGAGAGTACAGCCCCCACCCCCCGTCCAAAGGTCTTGCGTTGTAAATGCCACCACCATTGTCCAGAAGACTCAGTCAACAATATTTGCAGCACAGACGGATATTGTTTCACGATGATAGAAGAGGATGACTCTGGGTTGCCTGTGGTCACTTCTGGTTGCCTAGGACTAGAAGGCTCAGATTTTCAGTGTCGGGACACTCCCATTCCTCATCAAAGAAGATCAATTGAATGCTGCACAGAAAGGAACGAATGTAATAAAGACCTACACCCTACACTGCCTCCATTGAAAAACAGAGATTTTGTTGATGGACCTATACACCACAGG

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK6 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK6polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK6). In other preferred embodiments, ALK6 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK6 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34, 35, 91, or 92. In some embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure consist or consist essentially of at least one ALK6polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34, 35, 91, or92.

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to protein complexesthat comprise an ALK7 polypeptide. As used herein, the term “ALK7”refers to a family of activin receptor-like kinase-7 proteins from anyspecies and variants derived from such ALK7 proteins by mutagenesis orother modification. Reference to ALK7 herein is understood to be areference to any one of the currently identified forms. Members of theALK7 family are generally transmembrane proteins, composed of aligand-binding extracellular domain with a cysteine-rich region, atransmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain with predictedserine/threonine kinase activity.

The term “ALK7 polypeptide” includes polypeptides comprising anynaturally occurring polypeptide of an ALK7 family member as well as anyvariants thereof (including mutants, fragments, fusions, andpeptidomimetic forms) that retain a useful activity. Numbering of aminoacids for all ALK7-related polypeptides described herein is based on thenumbering of the human ALK7 precursor protein sequence below (SEQ ID NO:38), unless specifically designated otherwise.

Four naturally occurring isoforms of human ALK7 have been described. Thesequence of canonical human ALK7 isoform 1 precursor protein (NCBI RefSeq NP_660302.2) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 38) 1 MTRALCSALR QALLLLAAAA ELSPGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTC QTEGACWASVMLTNGKEQVI 61 KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP TASPNAPKLGPMELAIIITV 121 PVCLLSIAAM LTVWACQGRQ CSYRKKKRPN VEEPLSECNL VNAGKTLKDLIYDVTASGSG 181 SGLPLLVQRT IARTIVLQEI VGKGRFGEVW HGRWCGEDVA VKIFSSRDERSWFREAEIYQ 241 TVMLRHENIL GFIAADNKDN GTWTQLWLVS EYHEQGSLYD YLNRNIVTVAGMIKLALSIA 301 SGLAHLHMEI VGTQGKPAIA HRDIKSKNIL VKKCETCAIA DLGLAVKHDSILNTIDIPQN 361 PKVGTKRYMA PEMLDDTMNV NIFESFKRAD IYSVGLVYWE IARRCSVGGIVEEYQLPYYD 421 MVPSDPSIEE MRKVVCDQKF RPSIPNQWQS CEALRVMGRI MRECWYANGAARLTALRIKK 481 TISQLCVKED CKA

The signal peptide is indicated by a single underline and theextracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

The processed extracellular ALK7 isoform 1 polypeptide sequence is asfollows:

(SEQ ID NO: 39) ELSPGLKCVCLLCDSSNFTCQTEGACWASVMLTNGKEQVIKSCVSLPELNAQVFCHSSNNVTKTECCFTDFCNNITLHLPTASPNAPKLGPME

A nucleic acid sequence encoding human ALK7 isoform 1 precursor proteinis shown below (SEQ ID NO: 40), corresponding to nucleotides 244-1722 ofGenbank Reference Sequence NM_145259.2. The signal sequence isunderlined and the extracellular domain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 40) ATGACCCGGGCGCTCTGCTCAGCGCTCCGCCAGGCTCTCCTGCTGCTCGCAGCGGCCGCC GAGCTCTCGCCAGGACTGAAGTGTGTATGTCTTTTGTGTGATTCTTCAAACTTTACCTGCCAAACAGAAGGAGCATGTTGGGCATCAGTCATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGCATCACCAAATGCCCCAAAACTTGGACCCATGGAGCTGGCCATCATTATTACTGTGCCTGTTTGCCTCCTGTCCATAGCTGCGATGCTGACAGTATGGGCATGCCAGGGTCGACAGTGCTCCTACAGGAAGAAAAAGAGACCAAATGTGGAGGAACCACTCTCTGAGTGCAATCTGGTAAATGCTGGAAAAACTCTGAAAGATCTGATTTATGATGTGACCGCCTCTGGATCTGGCTCTGGTCTACCTCTGTTGGTTCAAAGGACAATTGCAAGGACGATTGTGCTTCAGGAAATAGTAGGAAAAGGTAGATTTGGTGAGGTGTGGCATGGAAGATGGTGTGGGGAAGATGTGGCTGTGAAAATATTCTCCTCCAGAGATGAAAGATCTTGGTTTCGTGAGGCAGAAATTTACCAGACGGTCATGCTGCGACATGAAAACATCCTTGGTTTCATTGCTGCTGACAACAAAGATAATGGAACTTGGACTCAACTTTGGCTGGTATCTGAATATCATGAACAGGGCTCCTTATATGACTATTTGAATAGAAATATAGTGACCGTGGCTGGAATGATCAAGCTGGCGCTCTCAATTGCTAGTGGTCTGGCACACCTTCATATGGAGATTGTTGGTACACAAGGTAAACCTGCTATTGCTCATCGAGACATAAAATCAAAGAATATCTTAGTGAAAAAGTGTGAAACTTGTGCCATAGCGGACTTAGGGTTGGCTGTGAAGCATGATTCAATACTGAACACTATCGACATACCTCAGAATCCTAAAGTGGGAACCAAGAGGTATATGGCTCCTGAAATGCTTGATGATACAATGAATGTGAATATCTTTGAGTCCTTCAAACGAGCTGACATCTATTCTGTTGGTCTGGTTTACTGGGAAATAGCCCGGAGGTGTTCAGTCGGAGGAATTGTTGAGGAGTACCAATTGCCTTATTATGACATGGTGCCTTCAGATCCCTCGATAGAGGAAATGAGAAAGGTTGTTTGTGACCAGAAGTTTCGACCAAGTATCCCAAACCAGTGGCAAAGTTGTGAAGCACTCCGAGTCATGGGGAGAATAATGCGTGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGAGCGGCCCGCCTAACTGCTCTTCGTATTAAGAAGACTATATCTCAACTTTGTGTCAAAGAAGACTGCAAAGCC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed extracellular ALK7polypeptide (isoform 1) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 41) GAGCTCTCGCCAGGACTGAAGTGTGTATGTCTTTTGTGTGATTCTTCAAACTTTACCTGCCAAACAGAAGGAGCATGTTGGGCATCAGTCATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGCATCACCAAATGCCCCAAAACTTGGACCCATGGAG

The amino acid sequence of an alternative isoform of human ALK7, isoform2 (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001104501.1), is shown in its processed form asfollows (SEQ ID NO: 301), where the extracellular domain is indicated inbold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 301) 1 MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTDFCNNITLHLP TASPNAPKLG 61 PMELAIIITV PVCLLSIAAM LTVWACQGRQ CSYRKKKRPNVEEPLSECNL VNAGKTLKDL 121 IYDVTASGSG SGLPLLVQRT IARTIVLQEI VGKGRFGEVWHGRWCGEDVA VKIFSSRDER 181 SWFREAEIYQ TVMLRHENIL GFIAADNKDN GTWTQLWLVSEYHEQGSLYD YLNRNIVTVA 241 GMIKLALSIA SGLAHLHMEI VGTQGKPAIA HRDIKSKNILVKKCETCAIA DLGLAVKHDS 301 ILNTIDIPQN PKVGTKRYMA PEMLDDTMNV NIFESFKRADIYSVGLVYWE IARRCSVGGI 361 VEEYQLPYYD MVPSDPSIEE MRKVVCDQKF RPSIPNQWQSCEALRVMGRI MRECWYANGA 421 ARLTALRIKK TISQLCVKED CKA

The amino acid sequence of the extracellular ALK7 polypeptide (isoform2) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 302) MLTNGKEQVIKSCVSLPELNAQVFCHSSNNVTKTECCFTDFCNNITLHLPTASPNAPKLGPME.

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed ALK7 polypeptide (isoform2) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 303), corresponding to nucleotides279-1607 of NCBI Reference Sequence NM_001111031.1. The extracellulardomain is indicated in bold font.

(SEQ ID NO: 303) ATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGCATCACCAAATGCCCCAAAACTTGGACCCATGGAGCTGGCCATCATTATTACTGTGCCTGTTTGCCTCCTGTCCATAGCTGCGATGCTGACAGTATGGGCATGCCAGGGTCGACAGTGCTCCTACAGGAAGAAAAAGAGACCAAATGTGGAGGAACCACTCTCTGAGTGCAATCTGGTAAATGCTGGAAAAACTCTGAAAGATCTGATTTATGATGTGACCGCCTCTGGATCTGGCTCTGGTCTACCTCTGTTGGTTCAAAGGACAATTGCAAGGACGATTGTGCTTCAGGAAATAGTAGGAAAAGGTAGATTTGGTGAGGTGTGGCATGGAAGATGGTGTGGGGAAGATGTGGCTGTGAAAATATTCTCCTCCAGAGATGAAAGATCTTGGTTTCGTGAGGCAGAAATTTACCAGACGGTCATGCTGCGACATGAAAACATCCTTGGTTTCATTGCTGCTGACAACAAAGATAATGGAACTTGGACTCAACTTTGGCTGGTATCTGAATATCATGAACAGGGCTCCTTATATGACTATTTGAATAGAAATATAGTGACCGTGGCTGGAATGATCAAGCTGGCGCTCTCAATTGCTAGTGGTCTGGCACACCTTCATATGGAGATTGTTGGTACACAAGGTAAACCTGCTATTGCTCATCGAGACATAAAATCAAAGAATATCTTAGTGAAAAAGTGTGAAACTTGTGCCATAGCGGACTTAGGGTTGGCTGTGAAGCATGATTCAATACTGAACACTATCGACATACCTCAGAATCCTAAAGTGGGAACCAAGAGGTATATGGCTCCTGAAATGCTTGATGATACAATGAATGTGAATATCTTTGAGTCCTTCAAACGAGCTGACATCTATTCTGTTGGTCTGGTTTACTGGGAAATAGCCCGGAGGTGTTCAGTCGGAGGAATTGTTGAGGAGTACCAATTGCCTTATTATGACATGGTGCCTTCAGATCCCTCGATAGAGGAAATGAGAAAGGTTGTTTGTGACCAGAAGTTTCGACCAAGTATCCCAAACCAGTGGCAAAGTTGTGAAGCACTCCGAGTCATGGGGAGAATAATGCGTGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGAGCGGCCCGCCTAACTGCTCTTCGTATTAAGAAGACTATATCTCAACTTTGTGTCAAAGAAGACTGCAAAGCC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular ALK7 polypeptide(isoform 2) is as follows (SEQ ID NO: 304):

(SEQ ID NO: 304) ATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGCATCACCAAATGCCCCAAAACTTGGACCCATGGAG

The amino acid sequence of an alternative human ALK7 precursor protein,isoform 3 (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001104502.1), is shown as follows (SEQ ID NO:305), where the signal peptide is indicated by a single underline.

(SEQ ID NO: 305) 1 MTRALCSALR QALLLLAAAA ELSPGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTCQTEGACWASV MLTNGKEQVI 61 KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLPTGLPLLVQRT IARTIVLQEI 121 VGKGRFGEVW HGRWCGEDVA VKIFSSRDER SWFREAEIYQTVMLRHENIL GFIAADNKDN 181 GTWTQLWLVS EYHEQGSLYD YLNRNIVTVA GMIKLALSIASGLAHLHMEI VGTQGKPAIA 241 HRDIKSKNIL VKKCETCAIA DLGLAVKHDS ILNTIDIPQNPKVGTKRYMA PEMLDDTMNV 301 NIFESFKRAD IYSVGLVYWE IARRCSVGGI VEEYQLPYYDMVPSDPSIEE MRKVVCDQKF 361 RPSIPNQWQS CEALRVMGRI MRECWYANGA ARLTALRIKKTISQLCVKED CKA

The amino acid sequence of the processed ALK7 polypeptide (isoform 3) isas follows (SEQ ID NO: 306). This isoform lacks a transmembrane domainand is therefore proposed to be soluble in its entirety (Roberts et al.,2003, Biol Reprod 68:1719-1726). N-terminal variants of SEQ ID NO: 306are predicted as described below.

(SEQ ID NO: 306) 1ELSPGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTC QTEGACWASV MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN 61VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP TGLPLLVQRT IARTIVLQEI VGKGRFGEVW HGRWCGEDVA 121VKIFSSRDER SWFREAEIYQ TVMLRHENIL GFIAADNKDN GTWTQLWLVS EYHEQGSLYD 181YLNRNIVTVA GMIKLALSIA SGLAHLHMEI VGTQGKPAIA HRDIKSKNIL VKKCETCAIA 241DLGLAVKHDS ILNTIDIPQN PKVGTKRYMA PEMLDDTMNV NIFESFKRAD IYSVGLVYWE 301IARRCSVGGI VEEYQLPYYD MVPSDPSIEE MRKVVCDQKF RPSIPNQWQS CEALRVMGRI 361MRECWYANGA ARLTALRIKK TISQLCVKED CKA

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the unprocessed ALK7 polypeptideprecursor protein (isoform 3) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 307),corresponding to nucleotides 244-1482 of NCBI Reference SequenceNM_001111032.1. The signal sequence is indicated by solid underline.

(SEQ ID NO: 307) ATGACCCGGGCGCTCTGCTCAGCGCTCCGCCAGGCTCTCCTGCTGCTCGCAGCGGCCGCCGAGCTCTCGCCAGGACTGAAGTGTGTATGTCTTTTGTGTGATTCTTCAAACTTTACCTGCCAAACAGAAGGAGCATGTTGGGCATCAGTCATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGGTCTACCTCTGTTGGTTCAAAGGACAATTGCAAGGACGATTGTGCTTCAGGAAATAGTAGGAAAAGGTAGATTTGGTGAGGTGTGGCATGGAAGATGGTGTGGGGAAGATGTGGCTGTGAAAATATTCTCCTCCAGAGATGAAAGATCTTGGTTTCGTGAGGCAGAAATTTACCAGACGGTCATGCTGCGACATGAAAACATCCTTGGTTTCATTGCTGCTGACAACAAAGATAATGGAACTTGGACTCAACTTTGGCTGGTATCTGAATATCATGAACAGGGCTCCTTATATGACTATTTGAATAGAAATATAGTGACCGTGGCTGGAATGATCAAGCTGGCGCTCTCAATTGCTAGTGGTCTGGCACACCTTCATATGGAGATTGTTGGTACACAAGGTAAACCTGCTATTGCTCATCGAGACATAAAATCAAAGAATATCTTAGTGAAAAAGTGTGAAACTTGTGCCATAGCGGACTTAGGGTTGGCTGTGAAGCATGATTCAATACTGAACACTATCGACATACCTCAGAATCCTAAAGTGGGAACCAAGAGGTATATGGCTCCTGAAATGCTTGATGATACAATGAATGTGAATATCTTTGAGTCCTTCAAACGAGCTGACATCTATTCTGTTGGTCTGGTTTACTGGGAAATAGCCCGGAGGTGTTCAGTCGGAGGAATTGTTGAGGAGTACCAATTGCCTTATTATGACATGGTGCCTTCAGATCCCTCGATAGAGGAAATGAGAAAGGTTGTTTGTGACCAGAAGTTTCGACCAAGTATCCCAAACCAGTGGCAAAGTTGTGAAGCACTCCGAGTCATGGGGAGAATAATGCGTGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGAGCGGCCCGCCTAACTGCTCTTCGTATTAAGAAGACTATATCTCAACTTTGTGTCAAAGAAGACTGCAAAGCC

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed ALK7 polypeptide (isoform3) is as follows (SEQ ID NO: 308):

(SEQ ID NO: 308) GAGCTCTCGCCAGGACTGAAGTGTGTATGTCTTTTGTGTGATTCTTCAAACTTTACCTGCCAAACAGAAGGAGCATGTTGGGCATCAGTCATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGGTCTACCTCTGTTGGTTCAAAGGACAATTGCAAGGACGATTGTGCTTCAGGAAATAGTAGGAAAAGGTAGATTTGGTGAGGTGTGGCATGGAAGATGGTGTGGGGAAGATGTGGCTGTGAAAATATTCTCCTCCAGAGATGAAAGATCTTGGTTTCGTGAGGCAGAAATTTACCAGACGGTCATGCTGCGACATGAAAACATCCTTGGTTTCATTGCTGCTGACAACAAAGATAATGGAACTTGGACTCAACTTTGGCTGGTATCTGAATATCATGAACAGGGCTCCTTATATGACTATTTGAATAGAAATATAGTGACCGTGGCTGGAATGATCAAGCTGGCGCTCTCAATTGCTAGTGGTCTGGCACACCTTCATATGGAGATTGTTGGTACACAAGGTAAACCTGCTATTGCTCATCGAGACATAAAATCAAAGAATATCTTAGTGAAAAAGTGTGAAACTTGTGCCATAGCGGACTTAGGGTTGGCTGTGAAGCATGATTCAATACTGAACACTATCGACATACCTCAGAATCCTAAAGTGGGAACCAAGAGGTATATGGCTCCTGAAATGCTTGATGATACAATGAATGTGAATATCTTTGAGTCCTTCAAACGAGCTGACATCTATTCTGTTGGTCTGGTTTACTGGGAAATAGCCCGGAGGTGTTCAGTCGGAGGAATTGTTGAGGAGTACCAATTGCCTTATTATGACATGGTGCCTTCAGATCCCTCGATAGAGGAAATGAGAAAGGTTGTTTGTGACCAGAAGTTTCGACCAAGTATCCCAAACCAGTGGCAAAGTTGTGAAGCACTCCGAGTCATGGGGAGAATAATGCGTGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGAGCGGCCCGCCTAACTGCTCTTCGTATTAAGAAGACTATATCTCAACTTTGTGTCAAAGAAGACTGCAAAGCC

The amino acid sequence of an alternative human ALK7 precursor protein,isoform 4 (NCBI Ref Seq NP_001104503.1), is shown as follows (SEQ ID NO:309), where the signal peptide is indicated by a single underline.

(SEQ ID NO: 309) 1MTRALCSALR QALLLLAAAA ELSPGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTC QTEGACWASV MLTNGKEQVI 61KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP TDNGTWTQLW LVSEYHEQGS 121LYDYLNRNIV TVAGMIKLAL SIASGLAHLH MEIVGTQGKP AIAHRDIKSK NILVKKCETC 181AIADLGLAVK HDSILNTIDI PQNPKVGTKR YMAPEMLDDT MNVNIFESFK RADIYSVGLV 241YWEIARRCSV GGIVEEYQLP YYDMVPSDPS IEEMRKVVCD QKFRPSIPNQ WQSCEALRVM 301GRIMRECWYA NGAARLTALR IKKTISQLCV KEDCKA

The amino acid sequence of the processed ALK7 polypeptide (isoform 4) isas follows (SEQ ID NO: 310). Like ALK7 isoform 3, isoform 4 lacks atransmembrane domain and is therefore proposed to be soluble in itsentirety (Roberts et al., 2003, Biol Reprod 68:1719-1726). N-terminalvariants of SEQ ID NO: 310 are predicted as described below.

(SEQ ID NO: 310) 1ELSPGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTC QTEGACWASV MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN 61VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP TDNGTWTQLW LVSEYHEQGS LYDYLNRNIV TVAGMIKLAL 121SIASGLAHLH MEIVGTQGKP AIAHRDIKSK NILVKKCETC AIADLGLAVK HDSILNTIDI 181PQNPKVGTKR YMAPEMLDDT MNVNIFESFK RADIYSVGLV YWEIARRCSV GGIVEEYQLP 240YYDMVPSDPS IEEMRKVVCD QKFRPSIPNQ WQSCEALRVM GRIMRECWYA NGAARLTALR 301IKKTISQLCV KEDCKA

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the unprocessed ALK7 polypeptideprecursor protein (isoform 4) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 311),corresponding to nucleotides 244-1244 of NCBI Reference SequenceNM_001111033.1. The signal sequence is indicated by solid underline.

(SEQ ID NO: 311) ATGACCCGGGCGCTCTGCTCAGCGCTCCGCCAGGCTCTCCTGCTGCTCGCAGCGGCCGCCGAGCTCTCGCCAGGACTGAAGTGTGTATGTCTTTTGTGTGATTCTTCAAACTTTACCTGCCAAACAGAAGGAGCATGTTGGGCATCAGTCATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGATAATGGAACTTGGACTCAACTTTGGCTGGTATCTGAATATCATGAACAGGGCTCCTTATATGACTATTTGAATAGAAATATAGTGACCGTGGCTGGAATGATCAAGCTGGCGCTCTCAATTGCTAGTGGTCTGGCACACCTTCATATGGAGATTGTTGGTACACAAGGTAAACCTGCTATTGCTCATCGAGACATAAAATCAAAGAATATCTTAGTGAAAAAGTGTGAAACTTGTGCCATAGCGGACTTAGGGTTGGCTGTGAAGCATGATTCAATACTGAACACTATCGACATACCTCAGAATCCTAAAGTGGGAACCAAGAGGTATATGGCTCCTGAAATGCTTGATGATACAATGAATGTGAATATCTTTGAGTCCTTCAAACGAGCTGACATCTATTCTGTTGGTCTGGTTTACTGGGAAATAGCCCGGAGGTGTTCAGTCGGAGGAATTGTTGAGGAGTACCAATTGCCTTATTATGACATGGTGCCTTCAGATCCCTCGATAGAGGAAATGAGAAAGGTTGTTTGTGACCAGAAGTTTCGACCAAGTATCCCAAACCAGTGGCAAAGTTGTGAAGCACTCCGAGTCATGGGGAGAATAATGCGTGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGAGCGGCCCGCCTAACTGCTCTTCGTATTAAGAAGACTATATCTCAACTTTGTGTCAAAGAAGACT GCAAAGCCTAA

A nucleic acid sequence encoding the processed ALK7 polypeptide (isoform4) is as follows (SEQ ID NO: 312):

(SEQ ID NO: 312) GAGCTCTCGCCAGGACTGAAGTGTGTATGTCTTTTGTGTGATTCTTCAAACTTTACCTGCCAAACAGAAGGAGCATGTTGGGCATCAGTCATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGAGCAGGTGATCAAATCCTGTGTCTCCCTTCCAGAACTGAATGCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAGTTCCAACAATGTTACCAAAACCGAATGCTGCTTCACAGATTTTTGCAACAACATAACACTGCACCTTCCAACAGATAATGGAACTTGGACTCAACTTTGGCTGGTATCTGAATATCATGAACAGGGCTCCTTATATGACTATTTGAATAGAAATATAGTGACCGTGGCTGGAATGATCAAGCTGGCGCTCTCAATTGCTAGTGGTCTGGCACACCTTCATATGGAGATTGTTGGTACACAAGGTAAACCTGCTATTGCTCATCGAGACATAAAATCAAAGAATATCTTAGTGAAAAAGTGTGAAACTTGTGCCATAGCGGACTTAGGGTTGGCTGTGAAGCATGATTCAATACTGAACACTATCGACATACCTCAGAATCCTAAAGTGGGAACCAAGAGGTATATGGCTCCTGAAATGCTTGATGATACAATGAATGTGAATATCTTTGAGTCCTTCAAACGAGCTGACATCTATTCTGTTGGTCTGGTTTACTGGGAAATAGCCCGGAGGTGTTCAGTCGGAGGAATTGTTGAGGAGTACCAATTGCCTTATTATGACATGGTGCCTTCAGATCCCTCGATAGAGGAAATGAGAAAGGTTGTTTGTGACCAGAAGTTTCGACCAAGTATCCCAAACCAGTGGCAAAGTTGTGAAGCACTCCGAGTCATGGGGAGAATAATGCGTGAGTGTTGGTATGCCAACGGAGCGGCCCGCCTAACTGCTCTTCGTATTAAGAAGACTATATCTCAACTTTGTGTCAAAGAAGACTGCAAAGCCTA A

Based on the signal sequence of full-length ALK7 (isoform 1) in the rat(see NCBI Reference Sequence NP_620790.1) and on the high degree ofsequence identity between human and rat ALK7, it is predicted that aprocessed form of human ALK7 isoform 1 is as follows (SEQ ID NO: 313).

(SEQ ID NO: 313) 1LKCVCLLCDS SNFTCQTEGA CWASVMLTNG KEQVIKSCVS LPELNAQVFC HSSNNVTKTE 61CCFTDFCNNI TLHLPTASPN APKLGPME

Active variants of processed ALK7 isoform 1 are predicted in which SEQID NO: 39 is truncated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 amino acids at theN-terminus and SEQ ID NO: 313 is truncated by 1 or 2 amino acids at theN-terminus. Consistent with SEQ ID NO: 313, it is further expected thatleucine is the N-terminal amino acid in the processed forms of humanALK7 isoform 3 (SEQ ID NO: 306) and human ALK7 isoform 4 (SEQ ID NO:310).

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to heteromultimercomplexes that comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide, which includesfragments, functional variants, and modified forms thereof. Preferably,ALK7 polypeptides for use in accordance with inventions of thedisclosure (e.g., heteromultimer complexes comprising an ALK7polypeptide and uses thereof) are soluble (e.g., an extracellular domainof ALK7). In other preferred embodiments, ALK7 polypeptides for use inaccordance with the inventions of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands. In someembodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK7 polypeptide that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38, 39, 112, 114, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 405, or 406. Insome embodiments, heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure consist orconsist essentially of at least one ALK7 polypeptide that is at least70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38, 39, 112, 114, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309,310, 313, 405, or 406.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids34-95 of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially a sequencethat is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1.In some embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In certainpreferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides of the disclosure do notcomprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturally occurring D or E aminoacid or artificially acidic amino acid). Preferably, ALK1:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1 and/or ActRIIB) In otherembodiments, ALK1:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK1 and ActRIIB homomultimers). ALK1:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids35-99 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially a sequencethat is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1.In some embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In certainpreferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides of the disclosure do notcomprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturally occurring D or E aminoacid or artificially acidic amino acid). Preferably, ALK2:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK2 and/or ActRIIB) In otherembodiments, ALK2:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK2 and ActRIIB homomultimers). ALK2:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids61-130 of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially a sequencethat is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1.In some embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In certainpreferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides of the disclosure do notcomprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturally occurring D or E aminoacid or artificially acidic amino acid). Preferably, ALK3:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK3 and/or ActRIIB) In otherembodiments, ALK3:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK3 and ActRIIB homomultimers). ALK3:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or aminoacids 34-101 of SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially a sequencethat is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1.In some embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In certainpreferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides of the disclosure do notcomprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturally occurring D or E aminoacid or artificially acidic amino acid). Preferably, ALK4:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK4 and/or ActRIIB) In otherembodiments, ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK4 and ActRIIB homomultimers). ALK4:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or aminoacids 36-106 of SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially a sequencethat is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1.In some embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454. In certainpreferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides of the disclosure do notcomprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturally occurring D or E aminoacid or artificially acidic amino acid). Preferably, ALK5:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK5 and/or ActRIIB) In otherembodiments, ALK5:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK5 and ActRIIB homomultimers). ALK5:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or aminoacids 32-102 of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Insome embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosurecomprises at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical toamino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402,453, and 454. In certain preferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides ofthe disclosure do not comprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturallyoccurring D or E amino acid or artificially acidic amino acid).Preferably, ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK6and/or ActRIIB) In other embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimers ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK6 andActRIIB homomultimers). ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramersand further oligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments,ALK6:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure areheterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide thatcomprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a sequence that is atleast 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405,406, 475, and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 305, and 309.In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosurecomprises at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical toamino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIBheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402,453, and 454. In certain preferred embodiments, ActRIIB polypeptides ofthe disclosure do not comprise an acidic amino acid (e.g., a naturallyoccurring D or E amino acid or artificially acidic amino acid).Preferably, ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK7and/or ActRIIB) In other embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimers ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK7 andActRIIB homomultimers). ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramersand further oligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments,ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure areheterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids34-95 of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Preferably, ALK1:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK1 and/or ActRIIA). In other preferredembodiments, ALK1:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK1:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK1:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids35-99 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Preferably, ALK2:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK2 and/or ActRIIA). In other preferredembodiments, ALK2:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK2:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK2:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids61-130 of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Preferably, ALK3:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK3 and/or ActRIIA). In other preferredembodiments, ALK3:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK3:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK3:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK3:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or aminoacids 34-101 of SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Preferably, ALK4:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK4 and/or ActRIIA). In other preferredembodiments, ALK4:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK4:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK4 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK4:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK4:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or aminoacids 36-106 of SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprises at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. Preferably, ALK5:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK5 and/or ActRIIA). In other preferredembodiments, ALK5:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK5:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK5 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK5:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK5:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or aminoacids 32-102 of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Insome embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosurecomprises at least one ActRIIA polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical tothe amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120,151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and 452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9.Preferably, ALK6:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK6 and/or ActRIIA).In other preferred embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIA heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK6 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK6:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK6:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIAheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405,406, 475, and 476 or amino acids 28-93 of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 305, or 309.In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the disclosurecomprises at least one ActRIIA polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical tothe amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120,151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and 452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9.Preferably, ALK7:ActRIIA heteromultimers of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK7 and/or ActRIIA).In other preferred embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIA heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK7 and ActRIIAhomomultimers). ALK7:ActRIIA heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK7:ActRIIAheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 14, 15, 124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids34-95 of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:TGFBRII heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416,417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably, ALK1:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1 and/or TGFBRII). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK1:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inductionof Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK1:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and TGFBRIIhomomultimers). ALK1:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids35-99 of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:TGFBRII heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416,417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably, ALK2:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK2 and/or TGFBRII). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK2:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inductionof Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK2:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and TGFBRIIhomomultimers). ALK2:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids61-130 of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise at least one TGFBRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NO: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159,160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 ofSEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably,ALK3:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK3 and/or TGFBRII).In other preferred embodiments, ALK3:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK3:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 andTGFBRII homomultimers). ALK3:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramersand further oligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments,ALK3:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure areheterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 26, 27, 83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or aminoacids 34-101 of SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise at least one TGFBRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NO: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159,160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 ofSEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably,ALK4:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK4 and/or TGFBRII).In other preferred embodiments, ALK4:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK4:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK4 andTGFBRII homomultimers). ALK4:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramersand further oligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments,ALK4:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure areheterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or aminoacids 36-106 of SEQ ID NO: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise at least one TGFBRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NO: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159,160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 ofSEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably,ALK5:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK5 and/or TGFBRII).In other preferred embodiments, ALK5:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK5:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK5 andTGFBRII homomultimers). ALK5:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramersand further oligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments,ALK5:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure areheterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK6:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or aminoacids 32-102 of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Insome embodiments, ALK6:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably, ALK6:TGFBRII heteromultimercomplexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK6 and/or TGFBRII). In other preferredembodiments, ALK6:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK6:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK6 and TGFBRIIhomomultimers). ALK6:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK6:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK7:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405,406, 475, and 476 or amino acids 28-93 of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 305, or 309.In some embodiments, ALK7:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably, ALK7:TGFBRII heteromultimercomplexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK7 and/or TGFBRII). In other preferredembodiments, ALK7:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK7:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK7 and TGFBRIIhomomultimers). ALK7:TGFBRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK7:TGFBRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:MISRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure comprise at least one MISRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 50, 51,75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458 or aminoacids 24-116 of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably, ALK1:MISRIIheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1 and/or MISRII). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK1:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inductionof Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK1:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and MISRIIhomomultimers). ALK1:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:MISRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure comprise at least one MISRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 50, 51,75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458 or aminoacids 24-116 of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably, ALK2:MISRIIheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK2 and/or MISRII). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK2:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inductionof Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK2:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and MISRIIhomomultimers). ALK2:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:MISRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure comprise at least one MISRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 50, 51,75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458 or aminoacids 24-116 of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably, ALK3:MISRIIheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK3 and/or MISRII). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK3:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inductionof Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK3:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and MISRIIhomomultimers). ALK3:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK3:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NO: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:MISRII heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one MISRII polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458or amino acids 24-116 of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably,ALK4:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK4 and/or MISRII).In other preferred embodiments, ALK4:MISRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK4:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK4 and MISRIIhomomultimers). ALK4:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK4:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:MISRII heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one MISRII polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458or amino acids 24-116 of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably,ALK5:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK5 and/or MISRII).In other preferred embodiments, ALK5:MISRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK5:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK5 and MISRIIhomomultimers). ALK5:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK5:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK6:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 SEQ ID NO: 91. In someembodiments, ALK6:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurecomprise at least one MISRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical tothe amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80,133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458 or amino acids 24-116 of SEQID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably, ALK6:MISRII heteromultimer complexesof the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellulardomain of ALK6 and/or MISRII). In other preferred embodiments,ALK6:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK6:MISRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK6 and MISRII homomultimers). ALK6:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK6:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK7:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-93 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. In someembodiments, ALK7:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurecomprise at least one MISRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical tothe amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80,133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458 or amino acids 24-116 of SEQID Nos: 50, 75, or 79. Preferably, ALK7:MISRII heteromultimer complexesof the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellulardomain of ALK7 and/or MISRII). In other preferred embodiments,ALK7:MISRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK7:MISRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK7 and MISRII homomultimers). ALK7:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK7:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47,71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. Preferably, ALK1:BMPRII heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK1 and/or BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ALK1:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47,71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. Preferably, ALK2:BMPRII heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK2 and/or BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, ALK2:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK2:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ALK2:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47,71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. Preferably, ALK3:BMPRII heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK3 and/or BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, ALK3:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK3:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ALK3:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK3:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:BMPRII heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptidethat comprises, consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that isat least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ IDNO: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or aminoacids 34-123 of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. Preferably, ALK4:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK4 and/or BMPRII). In other preferredembodiments, ALK4:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK4:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK4 and BMPRII homomultimers). ALK4:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK4:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: SEQ IDNos: 30, 31, 87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or aminoacids 36-106 of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure comprise at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455,and 456 or amino acids 34-123 of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. Preferably,ALK5:BMPRII heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK5 and/or BMPRII). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK5:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosurebind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamilyligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ALK5:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK5 and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ALK5:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK5:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK6:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. In someembodiments, ALK6:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurecomprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical tothe amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121,123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123 of SEQ IDNO: 46 or 71. Preferably, ALK6:BMPRII heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK6and/or BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, ALK6:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK6:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK6 and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ALK6:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK6:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK7:BMPRII heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. In someembodiments, ALK7:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurecomprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, orconsists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical tothe amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121,123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123 of SEQ IDNO: 46 or 71. Preferably, ALK7:BMPRII heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK7and/or BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, ALK6:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK7:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK7 and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ALK7:BMPRII heteromultimer complexes of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK7:BMPRIIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK2polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. Preferably, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1and/or ALK2). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK2homomultimers). ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK2heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK2polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. Preferably, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1and/or ALK2). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK2homomultimers). ALK1:ALK2 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK2heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK3polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK3 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK3 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. Preferably, ALK1:ALK3 heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1and/or ALK3). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK3 heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK3 heteromultimers of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK3homomultimers). ALK1:ALK3 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK3heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK4polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. Preferably, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK1 and/or ALK4). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK4homomultimers). ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK4polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. Preferably, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK1 and/or ALK4). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK4homomultimers). ALK1:ALK4 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK5polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. Preferably, ALK1:ALK5 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK1 and/or ALK5). In other preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK5homomultimers). ALK1:ALK5 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK6polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Preferably,ALK1:ALK6 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1 and/or ALK6). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK1:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK6 homomultimers). ALK1:ALK6heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK7polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK1 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, and 464 or amino acids 34-95 of SEQID NO: 14. In some embodiments, ALK1:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. Preferably,ALK1:ALK7 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK1 and/or ALK7). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK1:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK1 and ALK7 homomultimers). ALK1:ALK7heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK1:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK3polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK3 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK3 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. Preferably, ALK2:ALK3 heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ALK2and/or ALK3). In other preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK3 heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK3 heteromultimers of the disclosurehave different ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and ALK3homomultimers). ALK2:ALK3 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK3heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK4polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. Preferably, ALK2:ALK4 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK2 and/or ALK4). In other preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and ALK4homomultimers). ALK2:ALK4 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK5polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. Preferably, ALK2:ALK5 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK2 and/or ALK5). In other preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and ALK5homomultimers). ALK2:ALK5 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK6polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Preferably,ALK2:ALK6 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK2 and/or ALK6). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK2:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and ALK6 homomultimers). ALK2:ALK6heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK7polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK2 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 18, 19,136, 138, 173, 174, 421, 422, 465, and 466 or amino acids 35-99 of SEQID NO: 18. In some embodiments, ALK2:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. Preferably,ALK2:ALK7 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK2 and/or ALK7). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK2:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK2 and ALK7 homomultimers). ALK2:ALK7heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK2:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK4polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. Preferably, ALK3:ALK4 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK3 and/or ALK4). In other preferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK4 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and ALK4homomultimers). ALK3:ALK4 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK4heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK5polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. Preferably, ALK3:ALK5 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK3 and/or ALK5). In other preferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and ALK5homomultimers). ALK3:ALK5 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK6polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Preferably,ALK3:ALK6 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK3 and/or ALK6). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK3:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and ALK6 homomultimers). ALK3:ALK6heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK7polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK3 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23,115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, and 468 or amino acids 61-130 of SEQID NO: 22. In some embodiments, ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. Preferably,ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK3 and/or ALK7). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK3 and ALK7 homomultimers).

ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK3:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK5polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK5 heteromultimersof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. Preferably, ALK4:ALK5 heteromultimers of thepresent disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domainof ALK4 and/or ALK5). In other preferred embodiments, ALK4:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK5 heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK4 and ALK5homomultimers). ALK4:ALK5 heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ALK4:ALK5heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK6polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK6 heteromultimersof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Preferably,ALK4:ALK6 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK4 and/or ALK6). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK4:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK4:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK4 and ALK6 homomultimers). ALK4:ALK6heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK4:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK7polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK4 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, and 470 or amino acids 34-101of SEQ ID NOs: 26 or 83. In some embodiments, ALK4:ALK7 heteromultimersof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. Preferably,ALK4:ALK7 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK4 and/or ALK7). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK4:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK4:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK4 and ALK7 homomultimers). ALK4:ALK7heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK4:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK6polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:ALK6 heteromultimersof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. Preferably,ALK5:ALK6 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK5 and/or ALK6). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK5:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK5:ALK6 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK5 and ALK6 homomultimers). ALK5:ALK6heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK5:ALK6 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK7polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK5:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK5 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 30, 31,87, 88, 139, 141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, and 472 or amino acids 36-106of SEQ ID NOs: 30 or 87. In some embodiments, ALK5:ALK7 heteromultimersof the disclosure comprise at least one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39,301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475,and 476 or amino acids 28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. Preferably,ALK5:ALK7 heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g.,comprise an extracellular domain of ALK5 and/or ALK7). In otherpreferred embodiments, ALK5:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure bindto and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands(e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b,BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ALK5:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ALK5 and ALK7 homomultimers). ALK5:ALK7heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ALK5:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one ALK7polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ALK6:ALK7 heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one ALK6 polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 34, 35,91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182, 425, 426, 473, and 474 or amino acids 32-102of SEQ ID NO: 34 or amino acids 62-132 of SEQ ID NO: 91. In someembodiments, ALK6:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise atleast one ALK7 polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consistsessentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%,92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the aminoacid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309,310, 313, 112, 114, 183, 184, 405, 406, 475, and 476 or amino acids28-92 of SEQ ID NOs: 38, 305, or 309. Preferably, ALK5:ALK7heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ALK6 and/or ALK7). In other preferredembodiments, ALK6:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/orinhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ALK6:ALK7heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ALK6 and ALK7 homomultimers). ALK6:ALK7 heteromultimersof the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers,heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. In certain preferredembodiments, ALK6:ALK7 heteromultimers of the disclosure areheterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIA:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments,ActRIIA:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least oneActRIIB polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially ofa sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402,453, and 454 or amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 25-131 of SEQ IDNO: 1. Preferably, ActRIIA:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the presentdisclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain ofActRIIA and/or ActRIIB) In other preferred embodiments, ActRIIA:ActRIIBheteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize)activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ActRIIA:ActRIIB heteromultimers ofthe disclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profilescompared to their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ActRIIAand ActRIIB homomultimers). ActRIIA:ActRIIB heteromultimers of thedisclosure include, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramersand further oligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments,ActRIIA:ActRIIB heteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIA:BMPRII heteromultimers ofthe disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 9, 10,11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and 452 or amino acids 30-110 ofSEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, ActRIIA:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 46, 47,71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123of SEQ ID NO: 46 and 71. Preferably, ActRIIA:BMPRII heteromultimers ofthe present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellulardomain of ActRIIA and/or BMPRII). In other preferred embodiments,ActRIIA:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2,BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10,GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ActRIIA:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ActRIIA and BMPRII homomultimers). ActRIIA:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ActRIIA:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIA:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIApolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and452 or amino acids 30-110 of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments,ActRIIA:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially ofa sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158,159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 or amino acids44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42.Preferably, ActRIIA:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the present disclosureare soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ActRIIA and/orBMPRII). In other preferred embodiments, ActRIIA:TGFBRII heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ActRIIA:TGFBRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ActRIIA and TGFBRIIhomomultimers). ActRIIA:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ActRIIA:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIA:MISRII heteromultimers ofthe disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIA polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 9, 10,11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410, 451, and 452 or amino acids 30-110 ofSEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, ActRIIA:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one MISRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 51,75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, and 458 or aminoacids 24-116 of SEQ ID NO: 50, 75, and 79. Preferably, ActRIIA:MISRIIheteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise anextracellular domain of ActRIIA and/or MISRII). In other preferredembodiments, ActRIIA:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure bind toand/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/orSmad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g.,BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9,BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments, ActRIIA:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligand bindingspecificities/profiles compared to their corresponding homomultimercomplexes (i.e., ActRIIA and MISRII homomultimers). ActRIIA:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g., heterodimers,heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomeric structures. Incertain preferred embodiments, ActRIIA:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIB. BMPRII heteromultimers ofthe disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454 or amino acids29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 25-131 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments,ActRIIB:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least oneBMPRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially ofa sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412,455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123 of SEQ ID NO: 46 and 71. Preferably,ActRIIB:BMPRII heteromultimers of the present disclosure are soluble(e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ActRIIB and/or BMPRII). Inother preferred embodiments, ActRIIB:BMPRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g., inductionof Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or more TGF-betasuperfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In someembodiments, ActRIIB:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosure havedifferent ligand binding specificities/profiles compared to theircorresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ActRIIB and BMPRIIhomomultimers). ActRIIB:BMPRII heteromultimers of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ActRIIB:BMPRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIB:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIBpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402,453, and 454 or amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 25-131 of SEQ IDNO: 1. In some embodiments, ActRIIB:TGFBRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. Preferably, ActRIIB:TGFBRII heteromultimers ofthe present disclosure are soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellulardomain of ActRIIB and/or TGFBRII). In other preferred embodiments,ActRIIB:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit(antagonize) activity (e.g., induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8signaling) of one or more TGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2,BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10,GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). In some embodiments,ActRIIB:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosure have different ligandbinding specificities/profiles compared to their correspondinghomomultimer complexes (i.e., ActRIIB and TGFBRII homomultimers).ActRIIB:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include, e.g.,heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and further oligomericstructures. In certain preferred embodiments, ActRIIB:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, ActRIIB:MISRII heteromultimers ofthe disclosure comprise at least one ActRIIB polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, and 454 or amino acids29-109 of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 25-131 of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments,ActRIIB:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least oneMISRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially ofa sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419,420, 457, and 458 or amino acids 24-116 of SEQ ID NO: 50, 75, and 79.Preferably, ActRIIB:MISRII heteromultimers of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of ActRIIB and/orMISRII). In other preferred embodiments, ActRIIB:MISRII heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, ActRIIB:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., ActRIIB and MISRIIhomomultimers). ActRIIB:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, ActRIIB:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least oneTGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, andmodified forms thereof. In some embodiments, BMPRII:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one BMPRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 46, 47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412,455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123 of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. In someembodiments, BMPRII:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosure compriseat least one TGFBRII polypeptide that comprises, consists, or consistsessentially of a sequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%,92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the aminoacid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129, 130,132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and 462 oramino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids 51-143 of SEQ ID NO:42. Preferably, BMPRII:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the present disclosureare soluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of BMPRII and/orTGFBRII). In other preferred embodiments, BMPRII:TGFBRII heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, BMPRII:TGFBRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., BMPRII and TGFBRIIhomomultimers). BMPRII:TGFBRII heteromultimers of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, BMPRII:TGFBRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, BMPRII:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure comprise at least one BMPRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 46, 47,71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, and 456 or amino acids 34-123of SEQ ID NO: 46 or 71. In some embodiments, BMPRII:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one MISRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419,420, 457, and 458 or amino acids 24-116 of SEQ ID NO: 50, 75, or 79.Preferably, BMPRII:MISRII heteromultimers of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of BMPRII and/orMISRII). In other preferred embodiments, BMPRII:MISRII heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, BMPRII:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., BMPRII and MISRIIhomomultimers). BMPRII:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosure include,e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, BMPRII:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to heteromultimers thatcomprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptide, which includes fragments,functional variants, and modified forms thereof, and at least one MISRIIpolypeptide, which includes fragments, functional variants, and modifiedforms thereof. In some embodiments, TGFBRII:MISRII heteromultimers ofthe disclosure comprise at least one TGFBRII polypeptide that comprises,consists, or consists essentially of a sequence that is at least 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID Nos: 42, 43,67, 68, 127, 129, 130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459,460, 461, and 462 or amino acids 44-168 of SEQ ID NO: 67 or amino acids51-143 of SEQ ID NO: 42. In some embodiments, TGFBRII:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure comprise at least one MISRIIpolypeptide that comprises, consists, or consists essentially of asequence that is at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%,95%, 96% 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofany one of SEQ ID Nos: 50, 51, 75, 76, 79, 80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419,420, 457, and 458 or amino acids 24-116 of SEQ ID NO: 50, 75, or 79.Preferably, TGFBRII:MISRII heteromultimers of the present disclosure aresoluble (e.g., comprise an extracellular domain of TGFBII and/orMISRII). In other preferred embodiments, TGFBRII:MISRII heteromultimersof the disclosure bind to and/or inhibit (antagonize) activity (e.g.,induction of Smad 2/3 and/or Smad 1/5/8 signaling) of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily ligands (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty). In some embodiments, TGFBRII:MISRII heteromultimers of thedisclosure have different ligand binding specificities/profiles comparedto their corresponding homomultimer complexes (i.e., TGFBRII and MISRIIhomomultimers). TGFBRII:MISRII heteromultimers of the disclosureinclude, e.g., heterodimers, heterotrimers, heterotetramers and furtheroligomeric structures. In certain preferred embodiments, TGFBRII:MISRIIheteromultimers of the disclosure are heterodimers.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates makingfunctional variants by modifying the structure of a TGF-beta superfamilytype I receptor polypeptide (e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6,and ALK7) and/or a TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide(e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII) for such purposesas enhancing therapeutic efficacy or stability (e.g., shelf-life andresistance to proteolytic degradation in vivo). Variants can be producedby amino acid substitution, deletion, addition, or combinations thereof.For instance, it is reasonable to expect that an isolated replacement ofa leucine with an isoleucine or valine, an aspartate with a glutamate, athreonine with a serine, or a similar replacement of an amino acid witha structurally related amino acid (e.g., conservative mutations) willnot have a major effect on the biological activity of the resultingmolecule. Conservative replacements are those that take place within afamily of amino acids that are related in their side chains. Whether achange in the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide of the disclosureresults in a functional homolog can be readily determined by assessingthe ability of the variant polypeptide to produce a response in cells ina fashion similar to the wild-type polypeptide, or to bind to one ormore TGF-beta superfamily ligands including, for example, BMP2, BMP2/7,BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3,GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1,TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E,activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates makingfunctional variants by modifying the structure of the TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide and/or TGF-beta superfamily typeII receptor polypeptide for such purposes as enhancing therapeuticefficacy or stability (e.g., increased shelf-life and/or increasedresistance to proteolytic degradation).

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates specificmutations of a TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide (e.g.,ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7) and/or a TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB,TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII) receptor of the disclosure so as to alterthe glycosylation of the polypeptide. Such mutations may be selected soas to introduce or eliminate one or more glycosylation sites, such asO-linked or N-linked glycosylation sites. Asparagine-linkedglycosylation recognition sites generally comprise a tripeptidesequence, asparagine-X-threonine or asparagine-X-serine (where “X” isany amino acid) which is specifically recognized by appropriate cellularglycosylation enzymes. The alteration may also be made by the additionof, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to thesequence of the polypeptide (for O-linked glycosylation sites). Avariety of amino acid substitutions or deletions at one or both of thefirst or third amino acid positions of a glycosylation recognition site(and/or amino acid deletion at the second position) results innon-glycosylation at the modified tripeptide sequence. Another means ofincreasing the number of carbohydrate moieties on a polypeptide is bychemical or enzymatic coupling of glycosides to the polypeptide.Depending on the coupling mode used, the sugar(s) may be attached to (a)arginine and histidine; (b) free carboxyl groups; (c) free sulfhydrylgroups such as those of cysteine; (d) free hydroxyl groups such as thoseof serine, threonine, or hydroxyproline; (e) aromatic residues such asthose of phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan; or (f) the amide groupof glutamine. Removal of one or more carbohydrate moieties present on apolypeptide may be accomplished chemically and/or enzymatically.Chemical deglycosylation may involve, for example, exposure of apolypeptide to the compound trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, or anequivalent compound. This treatment results in the cleavage of most orall sugars except the linking sugar (N-acetylglucosamine orN-acetylgalactosamine), while leaving the amino acid sequence intact.Enzymatic cleavage of carbohydrate moieties on polypeptides can beachieved by the use of a variety of endo- and exo-glycosidases asdescribed by Thotakura et al. [Meth. Enzymol. (1987) 138:350]. Thesequence of a polypeptide may be adjusted, as appropriate, depending onthe type of expression system used, as mammalian, yeast, insect, andplant cells may all introduce differing glycosylation patterns that canbe affected by the amino acid sequence of the peptide. In general,TGF-beta superfamily type I and II receptor complexes of the presentdisclosure for use in humans may be expressed in a mammalian cell linethat provides proper glycosylation, such as HEK293 or CHO cell lines,although other mammalian expression cell lines are expected to be usefulas well.

The present disclosure further contemplates a method of generatingmutants, particularly sets of combinatorial mutants of a TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide (e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4,ALK5, ALK6, and ALK7) and/or a TGF-beta superfamily type II receptorpolypeptide (e.g., ActRIIA, ActRIIB, TGFBRII, BMPRII, and MISRII) of thepresent disclosure, as well as truncation mutants. Pools ofcombinatorial mutants are especially useful for identifying functionallyactive (e.g., ligand binding) TGF-beta superfamily type I and/orTGF-beta superfamily type II receptor sequences. The purpose ofscreening such combinatorial libraries may be to generate, for example,polypeptides variants which have altered properties, such as alteredpharmacokinetic or altered ligand binding. A variety of screening assaysare provided below, and such assays may be used to evaluate variants.For example, TGF-beta superfamily type I and II receptor complexvariants may be screened for ability to bind to a TGF-beta superfamilyligand (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a,BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty), to prevent binding of aTGF-beta superfamily ligand to a TGF-beta superfamily receptor, and/orto interfere with signaling caused by an TGF-beta superfamily ligand.

The activity of a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex of thedisclosure also may be tested, for example in a cell-based or in vivoassay. For example, the effect of a heteromultimer complex on theexpression of genes or the activity of proteins involved in muscleproduction in a muscle cell may be assessed. This may, as needed, beperformed in the presence of one or more recombinant TGF-betasuperfamily ligand proteins (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7,BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13,GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2,TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activinAC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derivedneurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, andLefty), and cells may be transfected so as to produce a TGF-betasuperfamily type I and II receptor complex, and optionally, a TGF-betasuperfamily ligand. Likewise, a heteromultimer complex of the disclosuremay be administered to a mouse or other animal, and one or moremeasurements, such as muscle formation and strength may be assessedusing art-recognized methods. Similarly, the activity of aheteromultimer, or variants thereof, may be tested in osteoblasts,adipocytes, and/or neuronal cells for any effect on growth of thesecells, for example, by the assays as described herein and those ofcommon knowledge in the art. A SMAD-responsive reporter gene may be usedin such cell lines to monitor effects on downstream signaling.

Combinatorial-derived variants can be generated which have increasedselectivity or generally increased potency relative to a referenceTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex. Such variants, whenexpressed from recombinant DNA constructs, can be used in gene therapyprotocols. Likewise, mutagenesis can give rise to variants which haveintracellular half-lives dramatically different than the correspondingunmodified TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex. For example, thealtered protein can be rendered either more stable or less stable toproteolytic degradation or other cellular processes which result indestruction, or otherwise inactivation, of an unmodified polypeptide.Such variants, and the genes which encode them, can be utilized to alterpolypeptide complex levels by modulating the half-life of thepolypeptide. For instance, a short half-life can give rise to moretransient biological effects and, when part of an inducible expressionsystem, can allow tighter control of recombinant polypeptide complexlevels within the cell. In an Fc fusion protein, mutations may be madein the linker (if any) and/or the Fc portion to alter one or moreactivities of the TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex including,for example, immunogenicity, half-life, and solubility.

A combinatorial library may be produced by way of a degenerate libraryof genes encoding a library of polypeptides which each include at leasta portion of potential TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or II receptorsequences. For instance, a mixture of synthetic oligonucleotides can beenzymatically ligated into gene sequences such that the degenerate setof potential TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or II receptor encodingnucleotide sequences are expressible as individual polypeptides, oralternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g., for phagedisplay).

There are many ways by which the library of potential homologs can begenerated from a degenerate oligonucleotide sequence. Chemical synthesisof a degenerate gene sequence can be carried out in an automatic DNAsynthesizer, and the synthetic genes can then be ligated into anappropriate vector for expression. The synthesis of degenerateoligonucleotides is well known in the art. See, e.g., Narang, S A (1983)Tetrahedron 39:3; Itakura et al. (1981) Recombinant DNA, Proc. 3rdCleveland Sympos. Macromolecules, ed. AG Walton, Amsterdam: Elsevier pp273-289; Itakura et al. (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53:323; Itakura etal. (1984) Science 198:1056; Ike et al. (1983) Nucleic Acid Res. 11:477.Such techniques have been employed in the directed evolution of otherproteins. See, e.g., Scott et al., (1990) Science 249:386-390; Robertset al. (1992) PNAS USA 89:2429-2433; Devlin et al. (1990) Science 249:404-406; Cwirla et al., (1990) PNAS USA 87: 6378-6382; as well as U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,223,409, 5,198,346, and 5,096,815.

Alternatively, other forms of mutagenesis can be utilized to generate acombinatorial library. For example, TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure can be generated and isolated from a libraryby screening using, for example, alanine scanning mutagenesis [see,e.g., Ruf et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33:1565-1572; Wang et al. (1994) J.Biol. Chem. 269:3095-3099; Balint et al. (1993) Gene 137:109-118;Grodberg et al. (1993) Eur. J. Biochem. 218:597-601; Nagashima et al.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268:2888-2892; Lowman et al. (1991) Biochemistry30:10832-10838; and Cunningham et al. (1989) Science 244:1081-1085], bylinker scanning mutagenesis [see, e.g., Gustin et al. (1993) Virology193:653-660; and Brown et al. (1992) Mol. Cell Biol. 12:2644-2652;McKnight et al. (1982) Science 232:316], by saturation mutagenesis [see,e.g., Meyers et al., (1986) Science 232:613]; by PCR mutagenesis [see,e.g., Leung et al. (1989) Method Cell Mol Biol 1:11-19]; or by randommutagenesis, including chemical mutagenesis [see, e.g., Miller et al.(1992) A Short Course in Bacterial Genetics, CSHL Press, Cold SpringHarbor, N.Y.; and Greener et al. (1994) Strategies in Mol Biol 7:32-34].Linker scanning mutagenesis, particularly in a combinatorial setting, isan attractive method for identifying truncated (bioactive) forms ofTGF-beta superfamily type I and/or II receptor polypeptides.

A wide range of techniques are known in the art for screening geneproducts of combinatorial libraries made by point mutations andtruncations, and, for that matter, for screening cDNA libraries for geneproducts having a certain property. Such techniques will be generallyadaptable for rapid screening of the gene libraries generated by thecombinatorial mutagenesis of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure. The most widely used techniques forscreening large gene libraries typically comprise cloning the genelibrary into replicable expression vectors, transforming appropriatecells with the resulting library of vectors, and expressing thecombinatorial genes under conditions in which detection of a desiredactivity facilitates relatively easy isolation of the vector encodingthe gene whose product was detected. Preferred assays include TGF-betasuperfamily ligand (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6,BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8,GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A,activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE,activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty) binding assaysand/or TGF-beta superfamily ligand-mediated cell signaling assays.

In certain embodiments, TGF-beta superfamily type I and IIheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may further comprisepost-translational modifications in addition to any that are naturallypresent in the TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or II receptorpolypeptide. Such modifications include, but are not limited to,acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, lipidation,and acylation. As a result, the TGF-beta superfamily type I and IIheteromultimer complex may comprise non-amino acid elements, such aspolyethylene glycols, lipids, polysaccharide or monosaccharide, andphosphates. Effects of such non-amino acid elements on the functionalityof a heteromultimer complex may be tested as described herein for otherheteromultimer complex variants. When a polypeptide of the disclosure isproduced in cells by cleaving a nascent form of the polypeptide,post-translational processing may also be important for correct foldingand/or function of the protein. Different cells (e.g., CHO, HeLa, MDCK,293, WI38, NIH-3T3 or HEK293) have specific cellular machinery andcharacteristic mechanisms for such post-translational activities and maybe chosen to ensure the correct modification and processing of theTGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptides as wellas heteromultimers comprising the same.

In certain aspects, the polypeptides disclosed herein may form proteincomplexes comprising at least one TGF-beta superfamily type Ipolypeptide associated, covalently or non-covalently, with at least onetype II receptor polypeptide. Preferably, polypeptides disclosed hereinform heterodimeric complexes, although higher order heteromultimericcomplexes (heteromultimers) are also included such as, but not limitedto, heterotrimers, heterotetramers, and further oligomeric structures(see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, and 15-17). In some embodiments, TGF-betasuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptides of the presentdisclosure comprise at least one multimerization domain. As disclosedherein, the term “multimerization domain” refers to an amino acid orsequence of amino acids that promote covalent or non-covalentinteraction between at least a first polypeptide and at least a secondpolypeptide. Polypeptides disclosed herein may be joined covalently ornon-covalently to a multimerization domain. Preferably, amultimerization domain promotes interaction between a first polypeptide(e.g., TGF-beta superfamily type I polypeptide) and a second polypeptide(e.g., TGF-beta superfamily type II polypeptide) to promoteheteromultimer formation (e.g., heterodimer formation), and optionallyhinders or otherwise disfavors homomultimer formation (e.g., homodimerformation), thereby increasing the yield of desired heteromultimer (see,e.g., FIG. 2).

Many methods known in the art can be used to generate TGF-betasuperfamily complexes of the disclosure. For example, non-naturallyoccurring disulfide bonds may be constructed by replacing on a firstpolypeptide (e.g., TGF-beta superfamily type I polypeptide) a naturallyoccurring amino acid with a free thiol-containing residue, such ascysteine, such that the free thiol interacts with another freethiol-containing residue on a second polypeptide (e.g., TGF-betasuperfamily type II polypeptide) such that a disulfide bond is formedbetween the first and second polypeptides. Additional examples ofinteractions to promote heteromultimer formation include, but are notlimited to, ionic interactions such as described in Kjaergaard et al.,WO2007147901; electrostatic steering effects such as described in Kannanet al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,592,562; coiled-coil interactions such asdescribed in Christensen et al., U.S.20120302737; leucine zippers suchas described in Pack & Plueckthun, (1992) Biochemistry 31: 1579-1584;and helix-turn-helix motifs such as described in Pack et al., (1993)Bio/Technology 11: 1271-1277. Linkage of the various segments may beobtained via, e.g., covalent binding such as by chemical cross-linking,peptide linkers, disulfide bridges, etc., or affinity interactions suchas by avidin-biotin or leucine zipper technology.

In certain aspects, a multimerization domain may comprise one componentof an interaction pair. In some embodiments, the polypeptides disclosedherein may form protein complexes comprising a first polypeptidecovalently or non-covalently associated with a second polypeptide,wherein the first polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of aTGF-beta superfamily type I polypeptide and the amino acid sequence of afirst member of an interaction pair; and the second polypeptidecomprises the amino acid sequence of a TGF-beta superfamily type IIpolypeptide and the amino acid sequence of a second member of aninteraction pair. The interaction pair may be any two polypeptidesequences that interact to form a complex, particularly a heterodimericcomplex although operative embodiments may also employ an interactionpair that can form a homodimeric complex. One member of the interactionpair may be fused to a TGF-beta superfamily type I or type IIpolypeptide as described herein, including for example, a polypeptidesequence comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of anamino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,99%, or 100% identical to the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 15,124, 126, 171, 172, 413, 414, 463, 464, 18, 19, 136, 138, 173, 174, 421,422, 465, 466, 22, 23, 115, 117, 175, 176, 407, 408, 467, 468, 26, 27,83, 84, 104, 106, 177, 178, 403, 404, 469, 470, 30, 31, 87, 88, 139,141, 179, 180, 423, 424, 471, 472, 34, 35, 91, 92, 142, 144, 181, 182,425, 426, 473, 474, 38, 39, 301, 302, 305, 306, 309, 310, 313, 112, 114,183, 184, 405, 406, 475, 476, 9, 10, 11, 118, 120, 151, 152, 409, 410,451, 452, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153, 154, 401, 402, 453, 454, 46,47, 71, 72, 121, 123, 155, 156, 411, 412, 455, 456, 50, 51, 75, 76, 79,80, 133, 135, 161, 162, 419, 420, 457, 458, 42, 43, 67, 68, 127, 129,130, 132, 157, 158, 159, 160, 415, 416, 417, 418, 459, 460, 461, and462. An interaction pair may be selected to confer an improvedproperty/activity such as increased serum half-life, or to act as anadaptor on to which another moiety is attached to provide an improvedproperty/activity. For example, a polyethylene glycol moiety may beattached to one or both components of an interaction pair to provide animproved property/activity such as improved serum half-life.

The first and second members of the interaction pair may be anasymmetric pair, meaning that the members of the pair preferentiallyassociate with each other rather than self-associate. Accordingly, firstand second members of an asymmetric interaction pair may associate toform a heterodimeric complex (see, e.g., FIG. 2). Alternatively, theinteraction pair may be unguided, meaning that the members of the pairmay associate with each other or self-associate without substantialpreference and thus may have the same or different amino acid sequences.Accordingly, first and second members of an unguided interaction pairmay associate to form a homodimer complex or a heterodimeric complex.Optionally, the first member of the interaction pair (e.g., anasymmetric pair or an unguided interaction pair) associates covalentlywith the second member of the interaction pair. Optionally, the firstmember of the interaction pair (e.g., an asymmetric pair or an unguidedinteraction pair) associates non-covalently with the second member ofthe interaction pair.

As specific examples, the present disclosure provides fusion proteinscomprising TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptides fused toa polypeptide comprising a constant domain of an immunoglobulin, such asa CH1, CH2, or CH3 domain of an immunoglobulin or an Fc domain. Fcdomains derived from human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 are providedherein. Other mutations are known that decrease either CDC or ADCCactivity, and collectively, any of these variants are included in thedisclosure and may be used as advantageous components of aheteromultimeric complex of the disclosure. Optionally, the IgG1 Fcdomain of SEQ ID NO: 208 has one or more mutations at residues such asAsp-265, Lys-322, and Asn-434 (numbered in accordance with thecorresponding full-length IgG1). In certain cases, the mutant Fc domainhaving one or more of these mutations (e.g., Asp-265 mutation) hasreduced ability of binding to the Fcγ receptor relative to a wildtype Fcdomain. In other cases, the mutant Fc domain having one or more of thesemutations (e.g., Asn-434 mutation) has increased ability of binding tothe MEW class I-related Fc-receptor (FcRN) relative to a wildtype Fcdomain.

An example of a native amino acid sequence that may be used for the Fcportion of human IgG1 (G1Fc) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 208). Dottedunderline indicates the hinge region, and solid underline indicatespositions with naturally occurring variants. In part, the disclosureprovides polypeptides comprising, consisting of, or consistingessentially of an amino acid sequence with 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%,89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identityto SEQ ID NO: 208. Naturally occurring variants in G1Fc would includeE134D and M136L according to the numbering system used in SEQ ID NO: 208(see Uniprot P01857).

(SEQ ID NO: 208) 1

51 VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

An example of a native amino acid sequence that may be used for the Fcportion of human IgG2 (G2Fc) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 209). Dottedunderline indicates the hinge region and double underline indicatespositions where there are data base conflicts in the sequence (accordingto UniProt P01859). In part, the disclosure provides polypeptidescomprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of an amino acidsequence with 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%,94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 209.

(SEQ ID NO: 209) 1

51 FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE QFNSTFRVVS VLTVVHQDWL NGKEYKCKVS 101NKGLPAPIEK TISKTKGQPR EPQVYTLPPS REEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYP 151SDIAVEWESN GQPENNYKTT PPMLDSDGSF FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS 201CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLS PGK

Two examples of amino acid sequences that may be used for the Fc portionof human IgG3 (G3Fc) are shown below. The hinge region in G3Fc can be upto four times as long as in other Fc chains and contains three identical15-residue segments preceded by a similar 17-residue segment. The firstG3Fc sequence shown below (SEQ ID NO: 210) contains a short hinge regionconsisting of a single 15-residue segment, whereas the second G3Fcsequence (SEQ ID NO: 211) contains a full-length hinge region. In eachcase, dotted underline indicates the hinge region, and solid underlineindicates positions with naturally occurring variants according toUniProt P01859. In part, the disclosure provides polypeptidescomprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of an amino acidsequence with 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%,94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NOs: 210 and211.

(SEQ ID NO: 210) 1

51 VSHEDPEVQF KWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTFRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 101GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKTKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 151TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESSG QPENNYNTTP PMLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS 201RWQQGNIFSC SVMHEALHNR FTQKSLSLSP GK  (SEQ ID NO: 211) 1

51

101 EDPEVQFKWY VDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNS TFRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE 151YKCKVSNKAL PAPIEKTISK TKGQPREPQV YTLPPSREEM TKNQVSLTCL 201VKGFYPSDIA VEWESSGQPE NNYNTTPPML DSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQ 251QGNIFSCSVM HEALHNRFTQ KSLSLSPGK

Naturally occurring variants in G3Fc (for example, see Uniprot P01860)include E68Q, P76L, E79Q, Y81F, D97N, N100D, T124A, S169N, S169del,F221Y when converted to the numbering system used in SEQ ID NO: 210, andthe present disclosure provides fusion proteins comprising G3Fc domainscontaining one or more of these variations. In addition, the humanimmunoglobulin IgG3 gene (IGHG3) shows a structural polymorphismcharacterized by different hinge lengths [see Uniprot P01859].Specifically, variant WIS is lacking most of the V region and all of theCH1 region. It has an extra interchain disulfide bond at position 7 inaddition to the 11 normally present in the hinge region. Variant ZUClacks most of the V region, all of the CH1 region, and part of thehinge. Variant OMM may represent an allelic form or another gamma chainsubclass. The present disclosure provides additional fusion proteinscomprising G3Fc domains containing one or more of these variants.

An example of a native amino acid sequence that may be used for the Fcportion of human IgG4 (G4Fc) is shown below (SEQ ID NO: 212). Dottedunderline indicates the hinge region. In part, the disclosure providespolypeptides comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of anamino acid sequence with 70%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 8′7%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%,92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO:212.

(SEQ ID NO: 212) 1

51 EDPEVQFNWY VDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQFNS TYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE 101YKCKVSNKGL PSSIEKTISK AKGQPREPQV YTLPPSQEEM TKNQVSLTCL 151VKGFYPSDIA VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVL DSDGSFFLYS RLTVDKSRWQ 201EGNVFSCSVM HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSLGK

A variety of engineered mutations in the Fc domain are presented hereinwith respect to the G1Fc sequence (SEQ ID NO: 208), and analogousmutations in G2Fc, G3Fc, and G4Fc can be derived from their alignmentwith G1Fc in FIG. 5. Due to unequal hinge lengths, analogous Fcpositions based on isotype alignment (FIG. 5) possess different aminoacid numbers in SEQ ID NOs: 208, 209, 210, and 212. It can also beappreciated that a given amino acid position in an immunoglobulinsequence consisting of hinge, C_(H)2, and C_(H)3 regions (e.g., SEQ IDNOs: 208, 209, 210, 211, or 212) will be identified by a differentnumber than the same position when numbering encompasses the entire IgG1heavy-chain constant domain (consisting of the C_(H)1, hinge, C_(H)2,and C_(H)3 regions) as in the Uniprot database. For example,correspondence between selected C_(H)3 positions in a human G1Fcsequence (SEQ ID NO: 208), the human IgG1 heavy chain constant domain(Uniprot P01857), and the human IgG1 heavy chain is as follows.

Correspondence of C_(H)3 Positions in Different Numbering Systems G1FcIgG1 heavy chain (Numbering begins constant domain IgG1 heavy chain atfirst threonine (Numbering begins (EU numbering scheme of in hingeregion) at C_(H)1) Kabat et al., 1991*) Y127 Y232 Y349 S132 S237 S354E134 E239 E356 T144 T249 T366 L146 L251 L368 K170 K275 K392 D177 D282D399 Y185 Y290 Y407 K187 K292 K409 *Kabat et al. (eds) 1991; pp. 688-696in Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5^(th) ed., Vol. 1,NIH, Bethesda, MD.

A problem that arises in large-scale production of asymmetricimmunoglobulin-based proteins from a single cell line is known as the“chain association issue”. As confronted prominently in the productionof bispecific antibodies, the chain association issue concerns thechallenge of efficiently producing a desired multichain protein fromamong the multiple combinations that inherently result when differentheavy chains and/or light chains are produced in a single cell line[see, for example, Klein et al (2012) mAbs 4:653-663]. This problem ismost acute when two different heavy chains and two different lightchains are produced in the same cell, in which case there are a total of16 possible chain combinations (although some of these are identical)when only one is typically desired. Nevertheless, the same principleaccounts for diminished yield of a desired multichain fusion proteinthat incorporates only two different (asymmetric) heavy chains.

Various methods are known in the art that increase desired pairing ofFc-containing fusion polypeptide chains in a single cell line to producea preferred asymmetric fusion protein at acceptable yields [see, forexample, Klein et al (2012) mAbs 4:653-663; and Spiess et al (2015)Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. Methods to obtain desired pairingof Fc-containing chains include, but are not limited to, charge-basedpairing (electrostatic steering), “knobs-into-holes” steric pairing,SEEDbody pairing, and leucine zipper-based pairing. See, for example,Ridgway et al (1996) Protein Eng 9:617-621; Merchant et al (1998) NatBiotech 16:677-681; Davis et al (2010) Protein Eng Des Sel 23:195-202;Gunasekaran et al (2010); 285:19637-19646; Wranik et al (2012) J BiolChem 287:43331-43339; U.S. Pat. No. 5,932,448; WO 1993/011162; WO2009/089004, and WO 2011/034605. As described herein, these methods maybe used to generate heterodimers comprising TGF-beta superfamily type Iand type II receptor polypeptides, at least two different TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptides, and at least two differentTGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptides. See FIGS. 15-17.

For example, one means by which interaction between specificpolypeptides may be promoted is by engineering protuberance-into-cavity(knob-into-holes) complementary regions such as described in Arathoon etal., U.S. Pat. No. 7,183,076 and Carter et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,168.“Protuberances” are constructed by replacing small amino acid sidechains from the interface of the first polypeptide (e.g., a firstinteraction pair) with larger side chains (e.g., tyrosine ortryptophan). Complementary “cavities” of identical or similar size tothe protuberances are optionally created on the interface of the secondpolypeptide (e.g., a second interaction pair) by replacing large aminoacid side chains with smaller ones (e.g., alanine or threonine). Where asuitably positioned and dimensioned protuberance or cavity exists at theinterface of either the first or second polypeptide, it is onlynecessary to engineer a corresponding cavity or protuberance,respectively, at the adjacent interface.

At neutral pH (7.0), aspartic acid and glutamic acid are negativelycharged and lysine, arginine, and histidine are positively charged.These charged residues can be used to promote heterodimer formation andat the same time hinder homodimer formation. Attractive interactionstake place between opposite charges and repulsive interactions occurbetween like charges. In part, protein complexes disclosed herein makeuse of the attractive interactions for promoting heteromultimerformation (e.g., heterodimer formation), and optionally repulsiveinteractions for hindering homodimer formation (e.g., homodimerformation) by carrying out site directed mutagenesis of chargedinterface residues.

For example, the IgG1 CH3 domain interface comprises four unique chargeresidue pairs involved in domain-domain interactions: Asp356-Lys439′,Glu357-Lys370′, Lys392-Asp399′, and Asp399-Lys409′ [residue numbering inthe second chain is indicated by (′)]. It should be noted that thenumbering scheme used here to designate residues in the IgG1 CH3 domainconforms to the EU numbering scheme of Kabat. Due to the 2-fold symmetrypresent in the CH3-CH3 domain interactions, each unique interaction willrepresented twice in the structure (e.g., Asp-399-Lys409′ andLys409-Asp399′). In the wild-type sequence, K409-D399′ favors bothheterodimer and homodimer formation. A single mutation switching thecharge polarity (e.g., K409E; positive to negative charge) in the firstchain leads to unfavorable interactions for the formation of the firstchain homodimer. The unfavorable interactions arise due to the repulsiveinteractions occurring between the same charges (negative-negative;K409E-D399′ and D399-K409E′). A similar mutation switching the chargepolarity (D399K′; negative to positive) in the second chain leads tounfavorable interactions (K409′-D399K′ and D399K-K409′) for the secondchain homodimer formation. But, at the same time, these two mutations(K409E and D399K′) lead to favorable interactions (K409E-D399K′ andD399-K409′) for the heterodimer formation.

The electrostatic steering effect on heterodimer formation and homodimerdiscouragement can be further enhanced by mutation of additional chargeresidues which may or may not be paired with an oppositely chargedresidue in the second chain including, for example, Arg355 and Lys360.The table below lists possible charge change mutations that can be used,alone or in combination, to enhance heteromultimer formation of thepolypeptide complexes disclosed herein.

Examples of Pair-Wise Charged Residue Mutations to Enhance HeterodimerFormation Corresponding Position in Mutation in Interacting positionmutation in first chain first chain in second chain second chain Lys409Asp or Glu Asp399′ Lys, Arg, or His Lys392 Asp or Glu Asp399′ Lys, Arg,or His Lys439 Asp or Glu Asp356′ Lys, Arg, or His Lys370 Asp or GluGlu357′ Lys, Arg, or His Asp399 Lys, Arg, or His Lys409′ Asp or GluAsp399 Lys, Arg, or His Lys392′ Asp or Glu Asp356 Lys, Arg, or HisLys439′ Asp or Glu Glu357 Lys, Arg, or His Lys370′ Asp or Glu

In some embodiments, one or more residues that make up the CH3-CH3interface in a fusion protein of the instant application are replacedwith a charged amino acid such that the interaction becomeselectrostatically unfavorable. For example, a positive-charged aminoacid in the interface (e.g., a lysine, arginine, or histidine) isreplaced with a negatively charged amino acid (e.g., aspartic acid orglutamic acid). Alternatively, or in combination with the forgoingsubstitution, a negative-charged amino acid in the interface is replacedwith a positive-charged amino acid. In certain embodiments, the aminoacid is replaced with a non-naturally occurring amino acid having thedesired charge characteristic. It should be noted that mutatingnegatively charged residues (Asp or Glu) to His will lead to increase inside chain volume, which may cause steric issues. Furthermore, Hisproton donor- and acceptor-form depends on the localized environment.These issues should be taken into consideration with the designstrategy. Because the interface residues are highly conserved in humanand mouse IgG subclasses, electrostatic steering effects disclosedherein can be applied to human and mouse IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.This strategy can also be extended to modifying uncharged residues tocharged residues at the CH3 domain interface.

In part, the disclosure provides desired pairing of asymmetricFc-containing polypeptide chains using Fc sequences engineered to becomplementary on the basis of charge pairing (electrostatic steering).One of a pair of Fc sequences with electrostatic complementarity can bearbitrarily fused to the TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II receptorpolypeptide of the construct, with or without an optional linker, togenerate a TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II receptor fusionpolypeptide This single chain can be coexpressed in a cell of choicealong with the Fc sequence complementary to the first Fc to favorgeneration of the desired multichain construct (e.g., a TGF-betasuperfamily heteromeric complex). In this example based on electrostaticsteering, SEQ ID NO: 200 [human G1Fc(E134K/D177K)] and SEQ ID NO: 201[human G1Fc(K170D/K187D)] are examples of complementary Fc sequences inwhich the engineered amino acid substitutions are double underlined, andthe TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II receptor polypeptide of theconstruct can be fused to either SEQ ID NO: 200 or SEQ ID NO: 201, butnot both. Given the high degree of amino acid sequence identity betweennative hG1Fc, native hG2Fc, native hG3Fc, and native hG4Fc, it can beappreciated that amino acid substitutions at corresponding positions inhG2Fc, hG3Fc, or hG4Fc (see FIG. 5) will generate complementary Fc pairswhich may be used instead of the complementary hG1Fc pair below (SEQ IDNOs: 200 and 201).

(SEQ ID NO: 200) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSRKEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLKSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK (SEQ ID NO: 201) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYD TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSDLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

In part, the disclosure provides desired pairing of asymmetricFc-containing polypeptide chains using Fc sequences engineered forsteric complementarity. In part, the disclosure providesknobs-into-holes pairing as an example of steric complementarity. One ofa pair of Fc sequences with steric complementarity can be arbitrarilyfused to the TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptide of theconstruct, with or without an optional linker, to generate a TGF-betasuperfamily type I or type II fusion polypeptide. This single chain canbe coexpressed in a cell of choice along with the Fc sequencecomplementary to the first Fc to favor generation of the desiredmultichain construct. In this example based on knobs-into-holes pairing,SEQ ID NO: 202 [human G1Fc(T144Y)] and SEQ ID NO: 203 [humanG1Fc(Y185T)] are examples of complementary Fc sequences in which theengineered amino acid substitutions are double underlined, and theTGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptide of the construct canbe fused to either SEQ ID NO: 202 or SEQ ID NO: 203, but not both. Giventhe high degree of amino acid sequence identity between native hG1Fc,native hG2Fc, native hG3Fc, and native hG4Fc, it can be appreciated thatamino acid substitutions at corresponding positions in hG2Fc, hG3Fc, orhG4Fc (see FIG. 5) will generate complementary Fc pairs which may beused instead of the complementary hG1Fc pair below (SEQ ID NOs: 202 and203).

(SEQ ID NO: 202) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLYCLVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK (SEQ ID NO: 203) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLTSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

An example of Fc complementarity based on knobs-into-holes pairingcombined with an engineered disulfide bond is disclosed in SEQ ID NO:204 [hG1Fc(S132C/T144W)] and SEQ ID NO: 205[hG1Fc(Y127C/T144S/L146A/Y185V)]. The engineered amino acidsubstitutions in these sequences are double underlined, and the TGF-betasuperfamily type I or type II polypeptide of the construct can be fusedto either SEQ ID NO: 204 or SEQ ID NO: 205, but not both. Given the highdegree of amino acid sequence identity between native hG1Fc, nativehG2Fc, native hG3Fc, and native hG4Fc, it can be appreciated that aminoacid substitutions at corresponding positions in hG2Fc, hG3Fc, or hG4Fc(see FIG. 5) will generate complementary Fc pairs which may be usedinstead of the complementary hG1Fc pair below (SEQ ID NOs: 204 and 205).

(SEQ ID NO: 204) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PCREEMTKNQ VSLWCLVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK (SEQ ID NO: 205) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVCTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLSCAVKGF 151YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLVSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

In part, the disclosure provides desired pairing of asymmetricFc-containing polypeptide chains using Fc sequences engineered togenerate interdigitating β-strand segments of human IgG and IgA C_(H)3domains. Such methods include the use of strand-exchange engineereddomain (SEED) C_(H)3 heterodimers allowing the formation of SEEDbodyfusion proteins [see, for example, Davis et al (2010) Protein Eng DesignSel 23:195-202]. One of a pair of Fc sequences with SEEDbodycomplementarity can be arbitrarily fused to the TGF-beta superfamilytype I or type II polypeptide of the construct, with or without anoptional linker, to generate a TGF-beta superfamily type I or type IIfusion polypeptide. This single chain can be coexpressed in a cell ofchoice along with the Fc sequence complementary to the first Fc to favorgeneration of the desired multichain construct. In this example based onSEEDbody (Sb) pairing, SEQ ID NO: 206 [hG1Fc(Sb_(AG))] and SEQ ID NO:207 [hG1Fc(Sb_(GA))] are examples of complementary IgG Fc sequences inwhich the engineered amino acid substitutions from IgA Fc are doubleunderlined, and the TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptideof the construct can be fused to either SEQ ID NO: 206 or SEQ ID NO:207, but not both. Given the high degree of amino acid sequence identitybetween native hG1Fc, native hG2Fc, native hG3Fc, and native hG4Fc, itcan be appreciated that amino acid substitutions at correspondingpositions in hG1Fc, hG2Fc, hG3Fc, or hG4Fc (see FIG. 5) will generate anFc monomer which may be used in the complementary IgG-IgA pair below(SEQ ID NOs: 206 and 207).

(SEQ ID NO: 206) 1 THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPE 51 VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PFRPEVHLLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLARGF 151 YPKDIAVEWESNGQPENNYK TIPSRQEPSQ GTTTFAVTSK LTVDKSRWQQ 201 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQKTISLSPGK (SEQ ID NO: 207) 1 THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPE 51 VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PPSEELALNE LVTLTCLVKG 151 FYPSDIAVEWESNGQELPRE KYLTWAPVLD SDGSFFLYSI LRVAAEDWKK 201 GDTFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQKSLDRSPGK

In part, the disclosure provides desired pairing of asymmetricFc-containing polypeptide chains with a cleavable leucine zipper domainattached at the C-terminus of the Fc C_(H)3 domains. Attachment of aleucine zipper is sufficient to cause preferential assembly ofheterodimeric antibody heavy chains. See, e.g., Wranik et al (2012) JBiol Chem 287:43331-43339. As disclosed herein, one of a pair of Fcsequences attached to a leucine zipper-forming strand can be arbitrarilyfused to the TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptide of theconstruct, with or without an optional linker, to generate a TGF-betasuperfamily type I or type II fusion polypeptide. This single chain canbe coexpressed in a cell of choice along with the Fc sequence attachedto a complementary leucine zipper-forming strand to favor generation ofthe desired multichain construct. Proteolytic digestion of the constructwith the bacterial endoproteinase Lys-C post purification can releasethe leucine zipper domain, resulting in an Fc construct whose structureis identical to that of native Fc. In this example based on leucinezipper pairing, SEQ ID NO: 213 [hG1Fc-Ap1 (acidic)] and SEQ ID NO: 214[hG1Fc-Bp1 (basic)] are examples of complementary IgG Fc sequences inwhich the engineered complimentary leucine zipper sequences areunderlined, and the TGF-beta superfamily type I or type II polypeptideof the construct can be fused to either SEQ ID NO: 213 or SEQ ID NO:214, but not both. Given the high degree of amino acid sequence identitybetween native hG1Fc, native hG2Fc, native hG3Fc, and native hG4Fc, itcan be appreciated that leucine zipper-forming sequences attached, withor without an optional linker, to hG1Fc, hG2Fc, hG3Fc, or hG4Fc (seeFIG. 5) will generate an Fc monomer which may be used in thecomplementary leucine zipper-forming pair below (SEQ ID NOs: 213 and214).

(SEQ ID NO: 213) 1 THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPE 51 VKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF 151 YPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201 FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLSLSPGKGGSAQ LEKELQALEK ENAQLEWELQ 251 ALEKELAQGA T (SEQ ID NO: 214) 1THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE 51 VKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD WLNGKEYKCK 101 VSNKALPAPI EKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGF 151 YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV 201 FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLSLSPGKGGSAQ LKKKLQALKK KNAQLKWKLQ 251 ALKKKLAQGA T

As described above, various methods are known in the art that increasedesired pairing of Fc-containing fusion polypeptide chains in a singlecell line to produce a preferred asymmetric fusion protein at acceptableyields [Klein et al (2012) mAbs 4:653-663; and Spiess et al (2015)Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. In addition, heteromultimers asdescribed herein may be generated using a combination of heavy and lightchain fusion proteins comprising either an TGF-beta superfamily type Ior TGF-beta superfamily type II polypeptide. For example, in someembodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptidepolypeptide may be fused, with or without a linker domain, to animmunoglobulin heavy chain (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA1, or IgA2)that comprises at least a portion of the C_(H)1 domain. Similarly, aTGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide may be fused, with orwithout a linker domain, to an immunoglobulin light chain (kappa orlambda) that comprises at least a portion of the light chain constantdomain (C_(L)). In alternative embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily typeI receptor polypeptide may be fused, with or without a linker domain, toan immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA1, orIgA2) that comprises at least a portion of the C_(H)1 domain, and aTGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide may be fused, with orwithout a linker domain, to an immunoglobulin light chain (kappa orlambda) that comprises at least a portion of the light chain constantdomain (C_(L)). This design takes advantage of the natural ability ofthe heavy chains to heterodimerize with light chains. In particular,heterodimerization of a heavy and light chain occurs between the C_(H)1with the C_(L), which is generally stabilized by covalent linking of thetwo domains via a disulfide bridge. Constructs employing the full-lengthheavy chain, or at least a portion of the heavy chain comprising thehinge region, could give rise to antibody-like molecules comprising two“light chains” and two “heavy chains”. See FIG. 16. A potentialadvantage of this design is that it may more closely mimic the naturallyoccurring TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide-ligand-TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidecomplex and may display higher affinity for the ligand than comparablesingle heterodimers. In some embodiments, this design may be modified byincorporating various heavy chain truncations including, for example,truncations that comprise the C_(H)1 domain and some or all of the hingedomain (giving rise to F(ab′)₂-like molecules) as well as truncationsthat only comprise the C_(H)1 domain or a fragment thereof (giving riseto Fab-like molecules). See FIG. 16G. Various methods for designing suchheteromultimer constructs are described in US 2009/0010879, Klein et al[(2012) mAbs 4:653-663], and Spiess et al [(2015) Molecular Immunology67(2A): 95-106] the contents of which are incorporated in their entiretyherein.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to generate antibody-likeheterodimers comprising at least one branch of the complex comprising anTGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide-C_(L):TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide-C_(H)1 heterodimer pair and atleast a second branch comprising an TGF-beta superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptide-C_(L):TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide r-C_(H)1 heterodimer pair. See, e.g., FIG. 16B. Suchheterodimer complexes can be generated, for example, using combinationsof heavy chain and light chain asymmetrical pairing technologies [Spiesset al (2015) Molecular Immunology 67(2A): 95-106]. For example, inCrossMab technology, [Schaefer et al (2011). Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.U.S.A. 108: 11187-11192] light chain mispairing is overcome using domaincrossovers and heavy chains heterodimerized using knobs-into-holes[Merchant et al (1998) Nat. Biotechnol. 16: 677-681]. For the domaincrossovers either the variable domains or the constant domains areswapped between light and heavy chains to create two asymmetric Fab armsthat drive cognate light chain pairing while preserving the structuraland functional integrity of the variable domain [Fenn et al (2013) PLoSONE 8: e61953]. An alternative approach for overcoming light chainmispairing is designing heavy and light chains with orthogonal Fabinterfaces [Lewis (2014) Nat. Biotechnol. 32: 191-198]. This has beenaccomplished by computational modeling [Das et al (2008) Annu. Rev.Biochem. 77: 363-382] in combination with X-ray crystallography toidentify mutations at the V_(H)/V_(L) and C_(H)1/C_(L) interfaces. Forthe heterodimers generated using this methodology, it may be necessaryto engineer mutations into both V_(H)/V_(L) and C_(H)1/C_(L) interfacesto minimize heavy/light chain mispairing. The designed orthogonal Fabinterface may be used in conjunction with a heavy chainheterodimerization strategy to facilitate efficient IgG production in asingle host cell. Electrostatic steering may also be used to generateorthogonal Fab interfaces to facilitate the construction of suchheterodimers. Peptide linkers may be used to ensure cognate pairing oflight and heavy chains in a format known as “LUZ-Y” [Wranik et al (2012)J. Biol. Chem. 287: 43331-43339], wherein heavy chain heterodimerizationis accomplished using leucine zippers which may be subsequently removedby proteolysis in vitro.

Alternatively, heteromultimers may comprise one or more single-chainligand traps as described herein, optionally which may be covalently ornon-covalently associated with one or more TGF-beta superfamily type Ireceptor polypeptides or TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptides as well as additional TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide:TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide singlechain ligand traps [US 2011/0236309 and US2009/0010879]. See FIG. 12. Asdescribed herein, single-chain ligand traps do not require fusion to anymultimerization domain such as coiled-coil Fc domains to be multivalent.In general, single-chain ligand traps of the present disclosure compriseat least one TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide domain andone TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide domain. TheTGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide and TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide domains, generally referred toherein as binding domains (BD), optionally may be joined by a linkerregion.

For example, in one aspect, the present disclosure providesheteromultimers comprising a polypeptide having the following structure:

(<BD1>-linker1)_(k)-[<BD2>-linker2-{<BD3>-linker3}_(f)]_(n)-(<BD4>)_(m)-(linker4-BD5>_(d))_(h)

where: n and h are independently greater than or equal to one; d, f, m,and k are independently equal to or greater than zero; BD1, BD2, BD3,BD4, and BD5 are independently TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide or TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidedomains, wherein at least one of BD1, BD2, BD3, and BD4 is an TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide domain, and wherein at least oneof BD1, BD2, BD3, and BD4 is an TGF-beta superfamily type II receptorpolypeptide domain, and linker1, linker2, linker3, and linker 4 areindependently greater than or equal to zero. In some embodiment,TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide:TGF-beta superfamilytype II receptor polypeptide single-chain traps comprise at least twodifferent TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide. In someembodiments, TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide:TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide single-chain traps comprise atleast two different TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidepolypeptides. In some embodiment, TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide:TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptidesingle-chain traps comprise at least two different linkers. Depending onthe values of selected for d, f, h, k, m, and n, the heteromultimerstructure may comprise a large number of repeating units in variouscombinations or may be a relatively simple structure.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides heteromultimerscomprising a polypeptide having the following structure:

<BD1>-linker1-<BD2>

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides heteromultimerscomprising a polypeptide having the following structure:

<BD1>-(linker2-<BD2>)_(n)

where n is greater than or equal one.

Another aspect of the invention provides heteromultimers comprising apolypeptide having the following structure:

(<BD1>-linker1-<BD1>)_(f)-linker2-(<BD2>-linker3-<BD3>)_(g)

wherein f and g are greater than or equal to one.

In an embodiment where BD2 and BD3 are the same, and f and g are thesame number, this can result in a substantially mirror symmetricstructure around linker 2, subject to differences in the linkers. Ininstances where BD2 is different from BD3 and/or where f and g aredifferent numbers, different structures will be produced. It is withinthe capacity of one of ordinary skill in the art to select suitablebinding domains, linkers, and repeat frequencies in light of thedisclosure herein and knowledge in the art. Specific, non-limitingexamples of such single-chain ligand traps in accordance with thepresent disclosure are represented schematically in FIG. 18.

The linkers (1, 2, 3, and 4) may be the same or different. The linkerregion provides a segment that is distinct from the structuredligand-binding domains of TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide and TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide andthus can be used for conjugation to accessory molecules (e.g., moleculesuseful in increasing stability such as PEGylation moieties) withouthaving to chemically modify the binding domains. The linker may includean unstructured amino acid sequence that may be either the same as orderived from conservative modifications to the sequence of a naturalunstructured region in the extracellular portion of the receptor for theligand of interest or another receptor in the TGF-β superfamily. Inother instances, such linkers may be entirely artificial in compositionand origin but will contain amino acids selected to provide anunstructured flexible linker with a low likelihood of encounteringelectrostatic or steric hindrance complications when brought into closeproximity to the ligand of interest. Linker length will be consideredacceptable when it permits binding domains located on each of the N- andC-termini of the linker to bind their natural binding sites on theirnatural ligand such that, with both binding domains so bound, the ligandis bound with a higher affinity than it would be bound by binding ofonly one of the binding domains. In some instances, the number of aminoacid residues in the linker of either natural or artificial origin isselected to be equal to or greater than the minimum required distancefor simultaneous (bridged) binding to two binding sites on the TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide and/or TGF-beta superfamily typeII receptor polypeptide ligand. For example, and without wishing to belimiting in any manner, the linker length may be between about 1-10amino acids, 10-20 amino acids, 18-80 amino acids, 25-60 amino acids,35-45 amino acids, or any other suitable length.

Linkers may be designed to facilitate purification of the polypeptide.The exact purification scheme chosen will determine what modificationsare needed, for example and without wishing to be limiting, additions ofpurification “tags” such as His tags is contemplated; in other examples,the linker may include regions to facilitate the addition of cargo oraccessory molecules. When such additions affect the unstructured natureof the linker or introduce potential electrostatic or steric concerns,appropriate increases to the linker length will be made to ensure thatthe two binding domains are able to bind their respective sites on theligand. In light of the methods and teachings herein, suchdeterminations could be made routinely by one skilled in the art.

In addition, the present design permits linkage of other cargo molecules(for example imaging agents like fluorescent molecules), toxins, etc.For example, and without wishing to be limiting in any manner,single-chain polypeptides can be modified to add one or more cargoand/or accessory molecules (referred to collectively herein by R1, R2,R3, R4, etc.):

Without limiting the generality of R substituents available, R1, R2, R3,R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, may or may not be present; when present, theymay be the same or different, and may independently be one or more of: afusion protein for targeting, for example, but not limited to such as anantibody fragment (e.g. single chain Fv) and/or a single domain antibody(sdAb); a radiotherapy and/or imaging agent, for example, but notlimited to a radionuceotide (e.g. ¹²³I ¹¹¹In, ¹⁸F, ⁶⁴C, ⁶⁸Y, ¹²⁴I, ¹³¹I,⁹⁰Y, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ⁵⁷Cu, ²¹³Bi, ²¹¹At), a fluorescent dye (e.g. Alexa Fluor, Cydye) and/or a fluorescent protein tag (e.g. GFP, DsRed); a cytotoxicagent for chemotherapy, for example, but not limited to doxorubicin,calicheamicin, a maytansinoid derivatives (e.g. DM1, DM4), a toxin (eg.truncated Pseudomonas endotoxin A, diphteria toxin); ananoparticle-based carrier, for example, but not limited to polyethyleneglycol (PEG), a polymer-conjugated to drug, nanocarrier or imaging agent(e.g. of a polymer N-(2-hydorxylpropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA), glutamicacid, PEG, dextran); a drug (for example, but not limited todoxorubicin, camptothecin, paclitaxel, palatinate); a nanocarrier, forexample, but not limited to a nanoshell or liposome; an imaging agent,for example, but not limited to Supermagnetic Iron Oxide (SPIO); adendrimer; and/or a solid support for use in ligand purification,concentration or sequestration (e.g. nanoparticles, inert resins,suitable silica supports).

In general, it will not be preferable to have cargo or accessorymolecules in all possible positions, as this may cause steric orelectrostatic complications. However, the effects of adding a cargo oraccessory molecule to any given position or positions on the structurecan be determined routinely in light of the disclosure herein bymodeling the linker between the binding domains and carrying outmolecular dynamics simulations to substantially minimize molecularmechanics energy and reduce steric and electrostatic incompatibilitybetween the linker and the TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide and TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptideastaught herein.

It may be preferable to add the cargo or accessory molecule to thelinker portion of the agent, rather to the binding domain, to reduce thelikelihood of interference in binding function. However, addition to thebinding domain is possible and could be desirable in some instances andthe effect of such an addition can be determined routinely in advance bymodeling the binding agent and the linker with the proposed addition asdescribed herein.

Conjugation methodologies may be performed using commercial kits thatenable conjugation via common reactive groups such as primary amines,succinimidyl (NHS) esters and sulfhydral-reactive groups. Somenon-limiting examples are: Alexa Fluor 488 protein labeling kit(Molecular Probes, Invitrogen detection technologies) and PEGylationkits (Pierce Biotechnology Inc.).

In certain aspects, TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide:TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidesingle-chain traps may be covalently or non-covalently associated withone or more TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptides orTGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide as well as additionalTGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide:TGF-beta superfamilytype II receptor polypeptide single chain ligand traps to form higherorder heteromultimers, which may be used in accordance with the methodsdescribed herein. See, e.g., FIG. 19. For example, an TGF-betasuperfamily type I receptor polypeptide: TGF-beta superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptide single chain ligand trap may further comprise amultimerization domain as described herein. In some embodiments,TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide:TGF-beta superfamilytype II receptor polypeptide single chain ligand traps comprise aconstant domain of an Ig immunoglobulin. Such immunoglobulins constantdomains may be selected to promote symmetrical or asymmetrical complexescomprising at least one single-chain TGF-beta superfamily type Ireceptor polypeptide:TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidetrap.

In certain aspects, an TGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide:TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptide single-chain trap, orcombinations of such traps, may be used as TGF-beta superfamilyantagonists to treat or prevent an TGF-beta superfamily disorder ordisease as described herein (e.g., kidney disease and/or a metabolicdisorder or condition).

It is understood that different elements of the fusion proteins (e.g.,immunoglobulin Fc fusion proteins) may be arranged in any manner that isconsistent with desired functionality. For example, a TGF-betasuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide domain may beplaced C-terminal to a heterologous domain, or alternatively, aheterologous domain may be placed C-terminal to a TGF-beta superfamilytype I and/or type II receptor polypeptide domain. The TGF-betasuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide domain and theheterologous domain need not be adjacent in a fusion protein, andadditional domains or amino acid sequences may be included C- orN-terminal to either domain or between the domains.

For example, a TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type II receptorfusion protein may comprise an amino acid sequence as set forth in theformula A-B-C. The B portion corresponds to a TGF-beta superfamily typeI and/or type II receptor polypeptide domain. The A and C portions maybe independently zero, one, or more than one amino acid, and both the Aand C portions when present are heterologous to B. The A and/or Cportions may be attached to the B portion via a linker sequence. Alinker may be rich in glycine (e.g., 2-10, 2-5, 2-4, 2-3 glycineresidues) or glycine and proline residues and may, for example, containa single sequence of threonine/serine and glycines or repeatingsequences of threonine/serine and/or glycines, e.g., GGG (SEQ ID NO:58), GGGG (SEQ ID NO: 59), TGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 60), SGGGG (SEQ ID NO: 61),TGGG (SEQ ID NO: 62), or SGGG (SEQ ID NO: 63) singlets, or repeats. Incertain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type IIreceptor fusion protein comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth inthe formula A-B-C, wherein A is a leader (signal) sequence, B consistsof a TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptidedomain, and C is a polypeptide portion that enhances one or more of invivo stability, in vivo half-life, uptake/administration, tissuelocalization or distribution, formation of protein complexes, and/orpurification. In certain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily type Iand/or type II receptor fusion protein comprises an amino acid sequenceas set forth in the formula A-B-C, wherein A is a TPA leader sequence, Bconsists of a TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptide domain, and C is an immunoglobulin Fc domain. Preferredfusion proteins comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in any one ofSEQ ID NOs: 100, 102, 104, 106, 112, 114, 115, 117, 118, 120, 121, 123,124, 126, 127, 129, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410,411, 412, 413, 414, 415, and 416.

In some embodiments, TGF-beta superfamily receptor heteromultimercomplexes of the present disclosure further comprise one or moreheterologous portions (domains) so as to confer a desired property. Forexample, some fusion domains are particularly useful for isolation ofthe fusion proteins by affinity chromatography. Well-known examples ofsuch fusion domains include, but are not limited to, polyhistidine,Glu-Glu, glutathione S-transferase (GST), thioredoxin, protein A,protein G, an immunoglobulin heavy-chain constant region (Fc), maltosebinding protein (MBP), or human serum albumin. For the purpose ofaffinity purification, relevant matrices for affinity chromatography,such as glutathione-, amylase-, and nickel- or cobalt-conjugated resinsare used. Many of such matrices are available in “kit” form, such as thePharmacia GST purification system and the QIAexpress™ system (Qiagen)useful with (HIS₆ (SEQ ID NO: 509)) fusion partners. As another example,a fusion domain may be selected so as to facilitate detection of theligand trap polypeptides. Examples of such detection domains include thevarious fluorescent proteins (e.g., GFP) as well as “epitope tags,”which are usually short peptide sequences for which a specific antibodyis available. Well-known epitope tags for which specific monoclonalantibodies are readily available include FLAG, influenza virushaemagglutinin (HA), and c-myc tags. In some cases, the fusion domainshave a protease cleavage site, such as for factor Xa or thrombin, whichallows the relevant protease to partially digest the fusion proteins andthereby liberate the recombinant proteins therefrom. The liberatedproteins can then be isolated from the fusion domain by subsequentchromatographic separation.

In certain embodiments, TGF-beta superfamily type I and/or type IIreceptor polypeptides of the present disclosure contain one or moremodifications that are capable of stabilizing the polypeptides. Forexample, such modifications enhance the in vitro half-life of thepolypeptides, enhance circulatory half-life of the polypeptides, and/orreduce proteolytic degradation of the polypeptides. Such stabilizingmodifications include, but are not limited to, fusion proteins(including, for example, fusion proteins comprising a TGF-betasuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide domain and astabilizer domain), modifications of a glycosylation site (including,for example, addition of a glycosylation site to a polypeptide of thedisclosure), and modifications of carbohydrate moiety (including, forexample, removal of carbohydrate moieties from a polypeptide of thedisclosure). As used herein, the term “stabilizer domain” not onlyrefers to a fusion domain (e.g., an immunoglobulin Fc domain) as in thecase of fusion proteins, but also includes nonproteinaceousmodifications such as a carbohydrate moiety, or nonproteinaceous moiety,such as polyethylene glycol.

In preferred embodiments, TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesto be used in accordance with the methods described herein are isolatedpolypeptide complexes. As used herein, an isolated protein (or proteincomplex) or polypeptide (or polypeptide complex) is one which has beenseparated from a component of its natural environment. In someembodiments, a heteromultimer complex of the disclosure is purified togreater than 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% purity as determined by, forexample, electrophoretic (e.g., SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF),capillary electrophoresis) or chromatographic (e.g., ion exchange orreverse phase HPLC). Methods for assessment of antibody purity are wellknown in the art [See, e.g., Flatman et al., (2007) J. Chromatogr. B848:79-87]. In some embodiments, heteromultimer preparations of thedisclosure are substantially free of TGF-beta superfamily type Ireceptor polypeptide homomultimers and/or TGF-beta superfamily type IIreceptor polypeptide homomultimers. For example, in some embodiments,heteromultimer preparations comprise less than about 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%,5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or less than 1% of TGF-beta superfamily type I receptorpolypeptide homomultimers. In some embodiments, heteromultimerpreparations comprise less than about 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%,or less than 1% of TGF-beta superfamily type II receptor polypeptidehomomultimers. In some embodiments, heteromultimer preparations compriseless than about 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or less than 1% ofTGF-beta superfamily type I receptor polypeptide homomultimers and lessthan about 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or less than 1% of TGF-betasuperfamily type II receptor polypeptide homomultimers.

In certain embodiments, TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptides, as well as heteromultimer complexes thereof, of thedisclosure can be produced by a variety of art-known techniques. Forexample, polypeptides of the disclosure can be synthesized usingstandard protein chemistry techniques such as those described inBodansky, M. Principles of Peptide Synthesis, Springer Verlag, Berlin(1993) and Grant G. A. (ed.), Synthetic Peptides: A User's Guide, W. H.Freeman and Company, New York (1992). In addition, automated peptidesynthesizers are commercially available (see, e.g., Advanced ChemTechModel 396; Milligen/Biosearch 9600). Alternatively, the polypeptides andcomplexes of the disclosure, including fragments or variants thereof,may be recombinantly produced using various expression systems [e.g., E.coli, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, COS cells, baculovirus] as iswell known in the art. In a further embodiment, the modified orunmodified polypeptides of the disclosure may be produced by digestionof recombinantly produced full-length TGFβ superfamily type I and/ortype II receptor polypeptides by using, for example, a protease, e.g.,trypsin, thermolysin, chymotrypsin, pepsin, or paired basic amino acidconverting enzyme (PACE). Computer analysis (using a commerciallyavailable software, e.g., MacVector, Omega, PCGene, MolecularSimulation, Inc.) can be used to identify proteolytic cleavage sites.

With respect to antibodies that bind to and antagonize ligands that bindto TGF-beta type I receptor polypeptide:TGF-beta type II receptorpolypeptide heteromultimers of the disclosure (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty) it is contemplated that an antibody may be designed as abispecific antibody comprising a first portion that binds to an epitopeof such ligand, such that the first portion of the antibody competes forbinding with a type I receptor and comprising a second portion thatbinds to an epitope of such ligand, such that the second portion of theantibody competes for binding with a type II receptor. In this manner, abispecific antibody targeting a single ligand can be designed to mimicthe dual type I-type II receptor binding blockade that may be conferredby an ALK7:ActRIIB heteromultimer. Similarly it is contemplated that thesame effect could be achieved using a combination of two or moreantibodies wherein at least a first antibody binds to an epitope of suchligand, such that the first antibody competes for binding with a type Ireceptor and at least a second antibody binds to an epitope of suchligand, such that the second antibody competes for binding with a typeII receptor.

B. Nucleic Acids Encoding TGFβ Superfamily Type I and/or Type IIReceptor Polypeptides

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides isolated and/orrecombinant nucleic acids encoding TGFβ superfamily type I and/or typeII receptors (including fragments, functional variants, and fusionproteins thereof) disclosed herein. For example, SEQ ID NO: 12 encodesthe naturally occurring human ActRIIA precursor polypeptide, while SEQID NO: 13 encodes the mature, extracellular domain of ActRIIA. Thesubject nucleic acids may be single-stranded or double stranded. Suchnucleic acids may be DNA or RNA molecules. These nucleic acids may beused, for example, in methods for making TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure.

As used herein, isolated nucleic acid(s) refers to a nucleic acidmolecule that has been separated from a component of its naturalenvironment. An isolated nucleic acid includes a nucleic acid moleculecontained in cells that ordinarily contain the nucleic acid molecule,but the nucleic acid molecule is present extrachromosomally or at achromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomallocation.

In certain embodiments, nucleic acids encoding TGFβ superfamily type Iand/or type II receptor polypeptides of the present disclosure areunderstood to include nucleic acids that are variants of any one of SEQID NOs: 7, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37,40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86,89, 90, 93, 94, 303, 304, 307, 308, 311, 312, 101, 105, 113, 116, 119,122, 125, 128, 131, 134, 137, 140, and 143. Variant nucleotide sequencesinclude sequences that differ by one or more nucleotide substitutions,additions, or deletions including allelic variants, and therefore, willinclude coding sequences that differ from the nucleotide sequencedesignated in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24,25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 69, 70, 73,74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 89, 90, 93, 94, 303, 304, 307, 308, 311,312, 101, 105, 113, 116, 119, 122, 125, 128, 131, 134, 137, 140, and143.

In certain embodiments, TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptides of the present disclosure are encoded by isolated orrecombinant nucleic acid sequences that are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8, 12, 13, 16,17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 49, 52,53, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 89, 90, 93, 94, 303, 304,307, 308, 311, 312, 101, 105, 113, 116, 119, 122, 125, 128, 131, 134,137, 140, and 143. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatnucleic acid sequences that are at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%,98%, or 99% identical to the sequences complementary to SEQ ID NOs: 7,8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44,45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 89, 90, 93,94, 303, 304, 307, 308, 311, 312, 101, 105, 113, 116, 119, 122, 125,128, 131, 134, 137, 140, and 143 are also within the scope of thepresent disclosure. In further embodiments, the nucleic acid sequencesof the disclosure can be isolated, recombinant, and/or fused with aheterologous nucleotide sequence or in a DNA library.

In other embodiments, nucleic acids of the present disclosure alsoinclude nucleotide sequences that hybridize under highly stringentconditions to the nucleotide sequence designated in SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8,12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44, 45,48, 49, 52, 53, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 89, 90, 93, 94,303, 304, 307, 308, 311, 312, 101, 105, 113, 116, 119, 122, 125, 128,131, 134, 137, 140, and 143, the complement sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 7,8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, 41, 44,45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, 89, 90, 93,94, 303, 304, 307, 308, 311, 312, 101, 105, 113, 116, 119, 122, 125,128, 131, 134, 137, 140, and 143, or fragments thereof. One of ordinaryskill in the art will understand readily that appropriate stringencyconditions which promote DNA hybridization can be varied. For example,one could perform the hybridization at 6.0× sodium chloride/sodiumcitrate (SSC) at about 45° C., followed by a wash of 2.0×SSC at 50° C.For example, the salt concentration in the wash step can be selectedfrom a low stringency of about 2.0×SSC at 50° C. to a high stringency ofabout 0.2×SSC at 50° C. In addition, the temperature in the wash stepcan be increased from low stringency conditions at room temperature,about 22° C., to high stringency conditions at about 65° C. Bothtemperature and salt may be varied, or temperature or salt concentrationmay be held constant while the other variable is changed. In oneembodiment, the disclosure provides nucleic acids which hybridize underlow stringency conditions of 6×SSC at room temperature followed by awash at 2×SSC at room temperature.

Isolated nucleic acids which differ from the nucleic acids as set forthin SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 33, 36,37, 40, 41, 44, 45, 48, 49, 52, 53, 69, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85,86, 89, 90, 93, 94, 303, 304, 307, 308, 311, 312, 101, 105, 113, 116,119, 122, 125, 128, 131, 134, 137, 140, and 143 due to degeneracy in thegenetic code are also within the scope of the disclosure. For example, anumber of amino acids are designated by more than one triplet. Codonsthat specify the same amino acid, or synonyms (for example, CAU and CACare synonyms for histidine) may result in “silent” mutations which donot affect the amino acid sequence of the protein. However, it isexpected that DNA sequence polymorphisms that do lead to changes in theamino acid sequences of the subject proteins will exist among mammaliancells. One skilled in the art will appreciate that these variations inone or more nucleotides (up to about 3-5% of the nucleotides) of thenucleic acids encoding a particular protein may exist among individualsof a given species due to natural allelic variation. Any and all suchnucleotide variations and resulting amino acid polymorphisms are withinthe scope of this disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the recombinant nucleic acids of the presentdisclosure may be operably linked to one or more regulatory nucleotidesequences in an expression construct. Regulatory nucleotide sequenceswill generally be appropriate to the host cell used for expression.Numerous types of appropriate expression vectors and suitable regulatorysequences are known in the art for a variety of host cells. Typically,said one or more regulatory nucleotide sequences may include, but arenot limited to, promoter sequences, leader or signal sequences,ribosomal binding sites, transcriptional start and terminationsequences, translational start and termination sequences, and enhanceror activator sequences. Constitutive or inducible promoters as known inthe art are contemplated by the disclosure. The promoters may be eithernaturally occurring promoters, or hybrid promoters that combine elementsof more than one promoter. An expression construct may be present in acell on an episome, such as a plasmid, or the expression construct maybe inserted in a chromosome. In some embodiments, the expression vectorcontains a selectable marker gene to allow the selection of transformedhost cells. Selectable marker genes are well known in the art and willvary with the host cell used.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the subject nucleic acidis provided in an expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequenceencoding a TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptideand operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence. Regulatorysequences are art-recognized and are selected to direct expression ofthe TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide.Accordingly, the term regulatory sequence includes promoters, enhancers,and other expression control elements. Exemplary regulatory sequencesare described in Goeddel; Gene Expression Technology: Methods inEnzymology, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). For instance, anyof a wide variety of expression control sequences that control theexpression of a DNA sequence when operatively linked to it may be usedin these vectors to express DNA sequences encoding a TGFβ superfamilytype I and/or type II receptor polypeptides. Such useful expressioncontrol sequences, include, for example, the early and late promoters ofSV40, tet promoter, adenovirus or cytomegalovirus immediate earlypromoter, RSV promoters, the lac system, the trp system, the TAC or TRCsystem, T7 promoter whose expression is directed by T7 RNA polymerase,the major operator and promoter regions of phage lambda, the controlregions for fd coat protein, the promoter for 3-phosphoglycerate kinaseor other glycolytic enzymes, the promoters of acid phosphatase, e.g.,Pho5, the promoters of the yeast α-mating factors, the polyhedronpromoter of the baculovirus system and other sequences known to controlthe expression of genes of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or theirviruses, and various combinations thereof. It should be understood thatthe design of the expression vector may depend on such factors as thechoice of the host cell to be transformed and/or the type of proteindesired to be expressed. Moreover, the vector's copy number, the abilityto control that copy number and the expression of any other proteinencoded by the vector, such as antibiotic markers, should also beconsidered.

A recombinant nucleic acid of the present disclosure can be produced byligating the cloned gene, or a portion thereof, into a vector suitablefor expression in either prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells (yeast,avian, insect or mammalian), or both. Expression vehicles for productionof a recombinant TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptide include plasmids and other vectors. For instance, suitablevectors include plasmids of the following types: pBR322-derivedplasmids, pEMBL-derived plasmids, pEX-derived plasmids, pBTac-derivedplasmids and pUC-derived plasmids for expression in prokaryotic cells,such as E. coli.

Some mammalian expression vectors contain both prokaryotic sequences tofacilitate the propagation of the vector in bacteria, and one or moreeukaryotic transcription units that are expressed in eukaryotic cells.The pcDNAI/amp, pcDNAI/neo, pRc/CMV, pSV2gpt, pSV2neo, pSV2-dhfr, pTk2,pRSVneo, pMSG, pSVT7, pko-neo and pHyg derived vectors are examples ofmammalian expression vectors suitable for transfection of eukaryoticcells. Some of these vectors are modified with sequences from bacterialplasmids, such as pBR322, to facilitate replication and drug resistanceselection in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Alternatively,derivatives of viruses such as the bovine papilloma virus (BPV-1), orEpstein-Barr virus (pHEBo, pREP-derived and p205) can be used fortransient expression of proteins in eukaryotic cells. Examples of otherviral (including retroviral) expression systems can be found below inthe description of gene therapy delivery systems. The various methodsemployed in the preparation of the plasmids and in transformation ofhost organisms are well known in the art. For other suitable expressionsystems for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as generalrecombinant procedures, see, e.g., Molecular Cloning A LaboratoryManual, 3rd Ed., ed. by Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis (Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, 2001). In some instances, it may be desirableto express the recombinant polypeptides by the use of a baculovirusexpression system. Examples of such baculovirus expression systemsinclude pVL-derived vectors (such as pVL1392, pVL1393 and pVL941),pAcUW-derived vectors (such as pAcUW1), and pBlueBac-derived vectors(such as the β-gal containing pBlueBac III).

In a preferred embodiment, a vector will be designed for production ofthe subject TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptidesin CHO cells, such as a Pcmv-Script vector (Stratagene, La Jolla,Calif), pcDNA4 vectors (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) and pCI-neovectors (Promega, Madison, Wis.). As will be apparent, the subject geneconstructs can be used to cause expression of the subject TGFβsuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide in cellspropagated in culture, e.g., to produce proteins, including fusionproteins or variant proteins, for purification.

This disclosure also pertains to a host cell transfected with arecombinant gene including a coding sequence for one or more of thesubject TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptides.The host cell may be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. For example, aTGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide of thedisclosure may be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insectcells (e.g., using a baculovirus expression system), yeast, or mammaliancells [e.g. a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line]. Other suitablehost cells are known to those skilled in the art.

Accordingly, the present disclosure further pertains to methods ofproducing the subject TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptides. For example, a host cell transfected with an expressionvector encoding a TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptide can be cultured under appropriate conditions to allowexpression of the TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptide to occur. The polypeptide may be secreted and isolated froma mixture of cells and medium containing the polypeptide. Alternatively,the TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide may beisolated from a cytoplasmic or membrane fraction obtained from harvestedand lysed cells. A cell culture includes host cells, media and otherbyproducts. Suitable media for cell culture are well known in the art.The subject polypeptides can be isolated from cell culture medium, hostcells, or both, using techniques known in the art for purifyingproteins, including ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtrationchromatography, ultrafiltration, electrophoresis, immunoaffinitypurification with antibodies specific for particular epitopes of theTGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptides andaffinity purification with an agent that binds to a domain fused to TGFβsuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide (e.g., a proteinA column may be used to purify a TGFβ superfamily type I receptor-Fcand/or type II receptor-Fc fusion protein). In some embodiments, theTGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide is a fusionprotein containing a domain which facilitates its purification.

In some embodiments, purification is achieved by a series of columnchromatography steps, including, for example, three or more of thefollowing, in any order: protein A chromatography, Q sepharosechromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange. A TGFβsuperfamily type I receptor-Fc and/or type II receptor-Fc fusion proteinmay be purified to a purity of >90%, >95%, >96%, >98%, or >99% asdetermined by size exclusion chromatography and >90%, >95%, >96%, >98%,or >99% as determined by SDS PAGE. The target level of purity should beone that is sufficient to achieve desirable results in mammaliansystems, particularly non-human primates, rodents (mice), and humans.

In another embodiment, a fusion gene coding for a purification leadersequence, such as a poly-(His)/enterokinase cleavage site sequence atthe N-terminus of the desired portion of the recombinant TGFβsuperfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide, can allowpurification of the expressed fusion protein by affinity chromatographyusing a Ni²⁺ metal resin. The purification leader sequence can then besubsequently removed by treatment with enterokinase to provide thepurified TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptor polypeptide.See, e.g., Hochuli et al. (1987) J. Chromatography 411:177; andJanknecht et al. (1991) PNAS USA 88:8972.

Techniques for making fusion genes are well known. Essentially, thejoining of various DNA fragments coding for different polypeptidesequences is performed in accordance with conventional techniques,employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restrictionenzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling-in ofcohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoidundesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation. In another embodiment, thefusion gene can be synthesized by conventional techniques includingautomated DNA synthesizers. Alternatively, PCR amplification of genefragments can be carried out using anchor primers which give rise tocomplementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments which cansubsequently be annealed to generate a chimeric gene sequence. See,e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, eds. Ausubel et al., JohnWiley & Sons: 1992.

4. Screening Assays

In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to the use of TGFβsuperfamily type I and type II receptor heteromultimer complexes toidentify compounds (agents) which are agonists or antagonists of TGFβsuperfamily receptors. Compounds identified through this screening canbe tested to assess their ability to modulate tissues such as bone,cartilage, muscle, fat, and/or neurons, to assess their ability tomodulate tissue growth in vivo or in vitro. These compounds can betested, for example, in animal models.

There are numerous approaches to screening for therapeutic agents formodulating tissue growth by targeting TGFβ superfamily ligand signaling(e.g., SMAD 2/3 and/or SMAD 1/5/8 signaling). In certain embodiments,high-throughput screening of compounds can be carried out to identifyagents that perturb TGFβ superfamily receptor-mediated effects on aselected cell line. In certain embodiments, the assay is carried out toscreen and identify compounds that specifically inhibit or reducebinding of a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex to its bindingpartner, such as a TGFβ superfamily ligand (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3,BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5,GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1,TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C, activin E, activin AB,activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE, nodal, glialcell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, artemin, persephin,MIS, and Lefty). Alternatively, the assay can be used to identifycompounds that enhance binding of a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplex to its binding partner such as a TGFβ superfamily ligand. In afurther embodiment, the compounds can be identified by their ability tointeract with a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex of thedisclosure.

A variety of assay formats will suffice and, in light of the presentdisclosure, those not expressly described herein will nevertheless becomprehended by one of ordinary skill in the art. As described herein,the test compounds (agents) of the invention may be created by anycombinatorial chemical method. Alternatively, the subject compounds maybe naturally occurring biomolecules synthesized in vivo or in vitro.Compounds (agents) to be tested for their ability to act as modulatorsof tissue growth can be produced, for example, by bacteria, yeast,plants or other organisms (e.g., natural products), produced chemically(e.g., small molecules, including peptidomimetics), or producedrecombinantly. Test compounds contemplated by the present inventioninclude non-peptidyl organic molecules, peptides, polypeptides,peptidomimetics, sugars, hormones, and nucleic acid molecules. Incertain embodiments, the test agent is a small organic molecule having amolecular weight of less than about 2,000 Daltons.

The test compounds of the disclosure can be provided as single, discreteentities, or provided in libraries of greater complexity, such as madeby combinatorial chemistry. These libraries can comprise, for example,alcohols, alkyl halides, amines, amides, esters, aldehydes, ethers andother classes of organic compounds. Presentation of test compounds tothe test system can be in either an isolated form or as mixtures ofcompounds, especially in initial screening steps. Optionally, thecompounds may be optionally derivatized with other compounds and havederivatizing groups that facilitate isolation of the compounds.Non-limiting examples of derivatizing groups include biotin,fluorescein, digoxygenin, green fluorescent protein, isotopes,polyhistidine, magnetic beads, glutathione S-transferase (GST),photoactivatible crosslinkers or any combinations thereof.

In many drug-screening programs which test libraries of compounds andnatural extracts, high-throughput assays are desirable in order tomaximize the number of compounds surveyed in a given period of time.Assays which are performed in cell-free systems, such as may be derivedwith purified or semi-purified proteins, are often preferred as“primary” screens in that they can be generated to permit rapiddevelopment and relatively easy detection of an alteration in amolecular target which is mediated by a test compound. Moreover, theeffects of cellular toxicity or bioavailability of the test compound canbe generally ignored in the in vitro system, the assay instead beingfocused primarily on the effect of the drug on the molecular target asmay be manifest in an alteration of binding affinity between a TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complex and its binding partner (e.g., BMP2,BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10,GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty).

Merely to illustrate, in an exemplary screening assay of the presentdisclosure, the compound of interest is contacted with an isolated andpurified TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex which is ordinarilycapable of binding to a TGF-beta superfamily ligand, as appropriate forthe intention of the assay. To the mixture of the compound and TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complex is then added to a compositioncontaining the appropriate TGF-beta superfamily ligand (e.g., BMP2,BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a, BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10,GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15, GDF11/BMP11,GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B, activin C,activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC, activin BE,nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin,artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). Detection and quantification ofheteromultimer-superfamily ligand complexes provides a means fordetermining the compound's efficacy at inhibiting (or potentiating)complex formation between the TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplex and its binding protein. The efficacy of the compound can beassessed by generating dose-response curves from data obtained usingvarious concentrations of the test compound. Moreover, a control assaycan also be performed to provide a baseline for comparison. For example,in a control assay, isolated and purified TGF-beta superfamily ligand isadded to a composition containing the TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complex, and the formation of heteromultimer-ligandcomplex is quantitated in the absence of the test compound. It will beunderstood that, in general, the order in which the reactants may beadmixed can be varied, and can be admixed simultaneously. Moreover, inplace of purified proteins, cellular extracts and lysates may be used torender a suitable cell-free assay system.

Binding of a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex to anotherprotein may be detected by a variety of techniques. For instance,modulation of the formation of complexes can be quantitated using, forexample, detectably labeled proteins such as radiolabeled (e.g., ³²P,³⁵S, ¹⁴C or ³H), fluorescently labeled (e.g., FITC), or enzymaticallylabeled TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex and/or its bindingprotein, by immunoassay, or by chromatographic detection.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure contemplates the use offluorescence polarization assays and fluorescence resonance energytransfer (FRET) assays in measuring, either directly or indirectly, thedegree of interaction between a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplex and its binding protein. Further, other modes of detection, suchas those based on optical waveguides (see, e.g., PCT Publication WO96/26432 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,196), surface plasmon resonance (SPR),surface charge sensors, and surface force sensors, are compatible withmany embodiments of the disclosure.

Moreover, the present disclosure contemplates the use of an interactiontrap assay, also known as the “two-hybrid assay,” for identifying agentsthat disrupt or potentiate interaction between a TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complex and its binding partner. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.5,283,317; Zervos et al. (1993) Cell 72:223-232; Madura et al. (1993) JBiol Chem 268:12046-12054; Bartel et al. (1993) Biotechniques14:920-924; and Iwabuchi et al. (1993) Oncogene 8:1693-1696). In aspecific embodiment, the present disclosure contemplates the use ofreverse two-hybrid systems to identify compounds (e.g., small moleculesor peptides) that dissociate interactions between a TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complex and its binding protein [see, e.g., Vidal andLegrain, (1999) Nucleic Acids Res 27:919-29; Vidal and Legrain, (1999)Trends Biotechnol 17:374-81; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,490; 5,955,280;and 5,965,368].

In certain embodiments, the subject compounds are identified by theirability to interact with a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexof the disclosure. The interaction between the compound and the TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complex may be covalent or non-covalent. Forexample, such interaction can be identified at the protein level usingin vitro biochemical methods, including photo-crosslinking, radiolabeledligand binding, and affinity chromatography. See, e.g., Jakoby W B etal. (1974) Methods in Enzymology 46:1. In certain cases, the compoundsmay be screened in a mechanism-based assay, such as an assay to detectcompounds which bind to a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex.This may include a solid-phase or fluid-phase binding event.Alternatively, the gene encoding a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplex can be transfected with a reporter system (e.g.,β-galactosidase, luciferase, or green fluorescent protein) into a celland screened against the library preferably by high-throughput screeningor with individual members of the library. Other mechanism-based bindingassays may be used; for example, binding assays which detect changes infree energy. Binding assays can be performed with the target fixed to awell, bead or chip or captured by an immobilized antibody or resolved bycapillary electrophoresis. The bound compounds may be detected usuallyusing colorimetric endpoints or fluorescence or surface plasmonresonance.

5. Exemplary Therapeutic Uses

In certain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex,or combinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thepresent disclosure can be used to treat or prevent a disease orcondition that is associated with abnormal activity of a TGFβsuperfamily receptor (e.g., ALK1, ALK2, ALK3, ALK4, ALK5, ALK6, ALK7,ActRIIA, ActRIIB, BMPRII, TGFBRII, and MISRII) and/or a TGFβ superfamilyligand (e.g., BMP2, BMP2/7, BMP3, BMP4, BMP4/7, BMP5, BMP6, BMP7, BMP8a,BMP8b, BMP9, BMP10, GDF3, GDF5, GDF6/BMP13, GDF7, GDF8, GDF9b/BMP15,GDF11/BMP11, GDF15/MIC1, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, activin A, activin B,activin C, activin E, activin AB, activin AC, activin AE, activin BC,activin BE, nodal, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF),neurturin, artemin, persephin, MIS, and Lefty). These diseases,disorders or conditions are generally referred to herein as “TGFβsuperfamily-associated conditions” or “TGFβ superfamily-associateddisorders.” In certain embodiments, the present invention providesmethods of treating or preventing an individual in need thereof throughadministering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of aTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or combinations of TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes, as described herein. Any of theTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the present disclosurecan potentially be employed individually or in combination fortherapeutic uses disclosed herein. These methods are particularly aimedat therapeutic and prophylactic treatments of mammals including, forexample, rodents, primates, and humans.

As used herein, a therapeutic that “prevents” a disorder or conditionrefers to a compound that, in a statistical sample, reduces theoccurrence of the disorder or condition in the treated sample relativeto an untreated control sample, or delays the onset or reduces theseverity of one or more symptoms of the disorder or condition relativeto the untreated control sample. The term “treating” as used hereinincludes amelioration or elimination of the condition once it has beenestablished. In either case, prevention or treatment may be discerned inthe diagnosis provided by a physician or other health care provider andthe intended result of administration of the therapeutic agent.

TGFβ superfamily receptor-ligand complexes play essential roles intissue growth as well as early developmental processes such as thecorrect formation of various structures or in one or morepost-developmental capacities including sexual development, pituitaryhormone production, and creation of bone and cartilage. Thus, TGFβsuperfamily-associated conditions/disorders include abnormal tissuegrowth and developmental defects. In addition, TGFβsuperfamily-associated conditions include, but are not limited to,disorders of cell growth and differentiation such as inflammation,allergy, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and tumors.

Exemplary TGFβ superfamily-associated conditions include neuromusculardisorders (e.g., muscular dystrophy and muscle atrophy), congestiveobstructive pulmonary disease (and muscle wasting associated with COPD),muscle wasting syndrome, sarcopenia, cachexia, adipose tissue disorders(e.g., obesity), type 2 diabetes (NIDDM, adult-onset diabetes), and bonedegenerative disease (e.g., osteoporosis). Other exemplary TGFβsuperfamily-associated conditions include musculodegenerative andneuromuscular disorders, tissue repair (e.g., wound healing),neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), andimmunologic disorders (e.g., disorders related to abnormal proliferationor function of lymphocytes).

In certain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex,or combinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thedisclosure are used as part of a treatment for a muscular dystrophy. Theterm “muscular dystrophy” refers to a group of degenerative musclediseases characterized by gradual weakening and deterioration ofskeletal muscles and sometimes the heart and respiratory muscles.Muscular dystrophies are genetic disorders characterized by progressivemuscle wasting and weakness that begin with microscopic changes in themuscle. As muscles degenerate over time, the person's muscle strengthdeclines. Exemplary muscular dystrophies that can be treated with aregimen including the subject TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes include: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker musculardystrophy (BMD), Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), limb-girdlemuscular dystrophy (LGMD), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHor FSHD) (also known as Landouzy-Dejerine), myotonic dystrophy (MMD;also known as Steinert's Disease), oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy(OPMD), distal muscular dystrophy (DD), congenital muscular dystrophy(CMD).

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) was first described by the Frenchneurologist Guillaume Benjamin Amand Duchenne in the 1860s. Beckermuscular dystrophy (BMD) is named after the German doctor Peter EmilBecker, who first described this variant of DMD in the 1950s. DMD is oneof the most frequent inherited diseases in males, affecting one in 3,500boys. DMD occurs when the dystrophin gene, located on the short arm ofthe X chromosome, is defective. Since males only carry one copy of the Xchromosome, they only have one copy of the dystrophin gene. Without thedystrophin protein, muscle is easily damaged during cycles ofcontraction and relaxation. While early in the disease musclecompensates by regeneration, later on muscle progenitor cells cannotkeep up with the ongoing damage and healthy muscle is replaced bynon-functional fibro-fatty tissue.

BMD results from different mutations in the dystrophin gene. BMDpatients have some dystrophin, but it is either of insufficient quantityor poor quality. The presence of some dystrophin protects the muscles ofpatients with BMD from degenerating as severely or as quickly as thoseof patients with DMD.

Studies in animals indicate that inhibition of the GDF8 signalingpathway may effectively treat various aspects of disease in DMD and BMDpatients (Bogdanovich et al., 2002, Nature 420:418-421; Pistilli et al.,2011, Am J Pathol 178:1287-1297). Thus, TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may act as GDF8 inhibitors(antagonists), and constitute an alternative means of blocking signalingby GDF8 and/or related TGFβ superfamily ligands in vivo in DMD and BMDpatients.

Similarly, TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure may provide an effective means to increase muscle mass inother disease conditions that are in need of muscle growth. For example,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease ormotor neuron disease, is a chronic, progressive, and incurable CNSdisorder that attacks motor neurons, which are components of the centralnervous system required for initiation of skeletal muscle contraction.In ALS, motor neurons deteriorate and eventually die, and though aperson's brain normally remains fully functioning and alert, initiationof muscle contraction is blocked at the spinal level. Individuals whodevelop ALS are typically between 40 and 70 years old, and the firstmotor neurons to degenerate are those innervating the arms or legs.Patients with ALS may have trouble walking, may drop things, fall, slurtheir speech, and laugh or cry uncontrollably. As the diseaseprogresses, muscles in the limbs begin to atrophy from disuse. Muscleweakness becomes debilitating, and patients eventually require a wheelchair or become confined to bed. Most ALS patients die from respiratoryfailure or from complications of ventilator assistance like pneumonia3-5 years from disease onset.

Promotion of increased muscle mass by TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes might also benefit those suffering from musclewasting diseases. Gonzalez-Cadavid et al. (supra) reported that GDF8expression correlates inversely with fat-free mass in humans and thatincreased expression of the GDF8 gene is associated with weight loss inmen with AIDS wasting syndrome. By inhibiting the function of GDF8 inAIDS patients, at least certain symptoms of AIDS may be alleviated, ifnot completely eliminated, thus significantly improving quality of lifein AIDS patients.

Since loss of GDF8 function is also associated with fat loss withoutdiminution of nutrient intake (Zimmers et al., supra; McPherron and Lee,supra), the subject TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes mayfurther be used as a therapeutic agent for slowing or preventing thedevelopment of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome is among the most debilitating andlife-threatening aspects of cancer. This syndrome is a common feature ofmany types of cancer—present in approximately 80% of cancer patients atdeath—and is responsible not only for a poor quality of life and poorresponse to chemotherapy but also a shorter survival time than is foundin patients with comparable tumors but without weight loss. Cachexia istypically suspected in patients with cancer if an involuntary weightloss of greater than five percent of premorbid weight occurs within asix-month period. Associated with anorexia, wasting of fat and muscletissue, and psychological distress, cachexia arises from a complexinteraction between the cancer and the host. Cancer cachexia affectscytokine production, release of lipid-mobilizing andproteolysis-inducing factors, and alterations in intermediarymetabolism. Although anorexia is common, a decreased food intake aloneis unable to account for the changes in body composition seen in cancerpatients, and increasing nutrient intake is unable to reverse thewasting syndrome. Currently, there is no treatment to control or reversethe cachexic process. Since systemic overexpression of GDF8 in adultmice was found to induce profound muscle and fat loss analogous to thatseen in human cachexia syndromes (Zimmers et al., supra), the subjectTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex pharmaceutical compositionsmay be beneficially used to prevent, treat, or alleviate the symptoms ofthe cachexia syndrome, where muscle growth is desired. An example of aheteromeric complex useful for preventing, treating, or alleviatingmuscle loss as described above is ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

In certain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex,or combinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thepresent disclosure may be used in methods of inducing bone and/orcartilage formation, preventing bone loss, increasing bonemineralization, preventing the demineralization of bone, and/orincreasing bone density. TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesmay be useful in patients who are diagnosed with subclinical low bonedensity, as a protective measure against the development ofosteoporosis.

In some embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, orcombinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thepresent disclosure may find medical utility in the healing of bonefractures and cartilage defects in humans and other animals. The subjectmethods and compositions may also have prophylactic use in closed aswell as open fracture reduction and also in the improved fixation ofartificial joints. De novo bone formation induced by an osteogenic agentis useful for repair of craniofacial defects that are congenital,trauma-induced, or caused by oncologic resection, and is also useful incosmetic plastic surgery. Further, methods and compositions of theinvention may be used in the treatment of periodontal disease and inother tooth repair processes. In certain cases, a TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complex, or combinations of TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes, may provide an environment to attractbone-forming cells, stimulate growth of bone-forming cells, or inducedifferentiation of progenitors of bone-forming cells. TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may also beuseful in the treatment of osteoporosis. Further, TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes may be used in repair of cartilage defects andprevention/reversal of osteoarthritis. Examples of heteromeric complexesuseful for inducing bone formation, preventing bone loss, increasingbone mineralization, preventing the demineralization of bone, and/orincreasing bone density as described above are ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc andActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Rosen et al. (ed) Primer on the Metabolic Bone Diseases and Disorders ofMineral Metabolism, 7^(th) ed. American Society for Bone and MineralResearch, Washington D.C. (incorporated herein by reference) provides anextensive discussion of bone disorders that may be subject to treatmentwith a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex or with combinationsof TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes. A partial listing isprovided herein. Methods and compositions of the invention can beapplied to conditions characterized by or causing bone loss, such asosteoporosis (including secondary osteoporosis), hyperparathyroidism,chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder, sex hormone deprivation orablation (e.g. androgen and/or estrogen), glucocorticoid treatment,rheumatoid arthritis, severe burns, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia,hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia (including tumor-inducedosteomalacia), hyperphosphatemia, vitamin D deficiency,hyperparathyroidism (including familial hyperparathyroidism) andpseudohypoparathyroidism, tumor metastases to bone, bone loss as aconsequence of a tumor or chemotherapy, tumors of the bone and bonemarrow (e.g., multiple myeloma), ischemic bone disorders, periodontaldisease and oral bone loss, Cushing's disease, Paget's disease,thyrotoxicosis, chronic diarrheal state or malabsorption, renal tubularacidosis, or anorexia nervosa. Methods and compositions of the inventionmay also be applied to conditions characterized by a failure of boneformation or healing, including non-union fractures, fractures that areotherwise slow to heal, fetal and neonatal bone dysplasias (e.g.,hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, calcium receptor defects and vitamin Ddeficiency), osteonecrosis (including osteonecrosis of the jaw) andosteogenesis imperfecta. Additionally, the anabolic effects will causesuch antagonists to diminish bone pain associated with bone damage orerosion. As a consequence of the anti-resorptive effects, suchantagonists may be useful to treat disorders of abnormal bone formation,such as osteoblastic tumor metastases (e.g., associated with primaryprostate or breast cancer), osteogenic osteosarcoma, osteopetrosis,progressive diaphyseal dysplasia, endosteal hyperostosis,osteopoikilosis, and melorheostosis. Other disorders that may be treatedinclude fibrous dysplasia and chondrodysplasias.

In another specific embodiment, the disclosure provides a therapeuticmethod and composition for repairing fractures and other conditionsrelated to cartilage and/or bone defects or periodontal diseases. Theinvention further provides therapeutic methods and compositions forwound healing and tissue repair. The types of wounds include, but arenot limited to, burns, incisions and ulcers. See, e.g., PCT PublicationNo. WO 84/01106. Such compositions comprise a therapeutically effectiveamount of at least one of the TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure in admixture with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle, carrier, or matrix.

In some embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, orcombinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thedisclosure can be applied to conditions causing bone loss such asosteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, Cushing's disease, thyrotoxicosis,chronic diarrheal state or malabsorption, renal tubular acidosis, oranorexia nervosa. It is commonly appreciated that being female, having alow body weight, and leading a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors forosteoporosis (loss of bone mineral density, leading to fracture risk).However, osteoporosis can also result from the long-term use of certainmedications. Osteoporosis resulting from drugs or another medicalcondition is known as secondary osteoporosis. In Cushing's disease, theexcess amount of cortisol produced by the body results in osteoporosisand fractures. The most common medications associated with secondaryosteoporosis are the corticosteroids, a class of drugs that act likecortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands. Althoughadequate levels of thyroid hormones are needed for the development ofthe skeleton, excess thyroid hormone can decrease bone mass over time.Antacids that contain aluminum can lead to bone loss when taken in highdoses by people with kidney problems, particularly those undergoingdialysis. Other medications that can cause secondary osteoporosisinclude phenytoin (Dilantin) and barbiturates that are used to preventseizures; methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Immunex, Folex PFS), a drug for someforms of arthritis, cancer, and immune disorders; cyclosporine(Sandimmune, Neoral), a drug used to treat some autoimmune diseases andto suppress the immune system in organ transplant patients; luteinizinghormone-releasing hormone agonists (Lupron, Zoladex), used to treatprostate cancer and endometriosis; heparin (Calciparine, Liquaemin), ananticlotting medication; and cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol(Colestid), used to treat high cholesterol. Bone loss resulting fromcancer therapy is widely recognized and termed cancer therapy-inducedbone loss (CTIBL). Bone metastases can create cavities in the bone thatmay be corrected by treatment with a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplex. Bone loss can also be caused by gum disease, a chronicinfection in which bacteria located in gum recesses produce toxins andharmful enzymes.

In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods andtherapeutic agents for treating diseases or disorders associated withabnormal or unwanted bone growth. For example, patients with thecongenital disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) areafflicted by progressive ectopic bone growth in soft tissuesspontaneously or in response to tissue trauma, with a major impact onquality of life. Additionally, abnormal bone growth can occur after hipreplacement surgery and thus ruin the surgical outcome. This is a morecommon example of pathological bone growth and a situation in which thesubject methods and compositions may be therapeutically useful. The samemethods and compositions may also be useful for treating other forms ofabnormal bone growth (e.g., pathological growth of bone followingtrauma, burns or spinal cord injury), and for treating or preventing theundesirable conditions associated with the abnormal bone growth seen inconnection with metastatic prostate cancer or osteosarcoma.

In certain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex,or combinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thedisclosure may be used to promote bone formation in patients withcancer. Patients having certain tumors (e.g. prostate, breast, multiplemyeloma or any tumor causing hyperparathyroidism) are at high risk forbone loss due to tumor-induced bone loss, bone metastases, andtherapeutic agents. Such patients may be treated with a TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complex, or a combination of complexes, evenin the absence of evidence of bone loss or bone metastases. Patients mayalso be monitored for evidence of bone loss or bone metastases, and maybe treated with a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex in theevent that indicators suggest an increased risk. Generally, DEXA scansare employed to assess changes in bone density, while indicators of boneremodeling may be used to assess the likelihood of bone metastases.Serum markers may be monitored. Bone specific alkaline phosphatase(BSAP) is an enzyme that is present in osteoblasts. Blood levels of BSAPare increased in patients with bone metastasis and other conditions thatresult in increased bone remodeling. Osteocalcin and procollagenpeptides are also associated with bone formation and bone metastases.Increases in BSAP have been detected in patients with bone metastasiscaused by prostate cancer, and to a lesser degree, in bone metastasesfrom breast cancer. BMP7 levels are high in prostate cancer that hasmetastasized to bone, but not in bone metastases due to bladder, skin,liver, or lung cancer. Type I carboxy-terminal telopeptide (ICTP) is acrosslink found in collagen that is formed during to the resorption ofbone. Since bone is constantly being broken down and reformed, ICTP willbe found throughout the body. However, at the site of bone metastasis,the level will be significantly higher than in an area of normal bone.ICTP has been found in high levels in bone metastasis due to prostate,lung, and breast cancer. Another collagen crosslink, Type I N-terminaltelopeptide (NTx), is produced along with ICTP during bone turnover. Theamount of NTx is increased in bone metastasis caused by many differenttypes of cancer including lung, prostate, and breast cancer. Also, thelevels of NTx increase with the progression of the bone metastasis.Therefore, this marker can be used to both detect metastasis as well asmeasure the extent of the disease. Other markers of resorption includepyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline. Any increase in resorption markersor markers of bone metastases indicate the need for therapy with aTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or combinations of TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes, in a patient.

A TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or combinations ofTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of the disclosure may beconjointly administered with other bone-active pharmaceutical agents.Conjoint administration may be accomplished by administration of asingle co-formulation, by simultaneous administration, or byadministration at separate times. TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes may be particularly advantageous if administered with otherbone-active agents. A patient may benefit from conjointly receiving aTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex and taking calciumsupplements, vitamin D, appropriate exercise and/or, in some cases,other medication. Examples of other medications include, bisphosphonates(alendronate, ibandronate and risedronate), calcitonin, estrogens,parathyroid hormone and raloxifene. The bisphosphonates (alendronate,ibandronate and risedronate), calcitonin, estrogens and raloxifeneaffect the bone remodeling cycle and are classified as anti-resorptivemedications. Bone remodeling consists of two distinct stages: boneresorption and bone formation. Anti-resorptive medications slow or stopthe bone-resorbing portion of the bone-remodeling cycle but do not slowthe bone-forming portion of the cycle. As a result, new formationcontinues at a greater rate than bone resorption, and bone density mayincrease over time. Teriparatide, a form of parathyroid hormone,increases the rate of bone formation in the bone remodeling cycle.Alendronate is approved for both the prevention (5 mg per day or 35 mgonce a week) and treatment (10 mg per day or 70 mg once a week) ofpostmenopausal osteoporosis. Alendronate reduces bone loss, increasesbone density and reduces the risk of spine, wrist and hip fractures.Alendronate also is approved for treatment of glucocorticoid-inducedosteoporosis in men and women as a result of long-term use of thesemedications (i.e., prednisone and cortisone) and for the treatment ofosteoporosis in men. Alendronate plus vitamin D is approved for thetreatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (70 mg once a weekplus vitamin D), and for treatment to improve bone mass in men withosteoporosis. Ibandronate is approved for the prevention and treatmentof postmenopausal osteoporosis. Taken as a once-a-month pill (150 mg),ibandronate should be taken on the same day each month. Ibandronatereduces bone loss, increases bone density and reduces the risk of spinefractures. Risedronate is approved for the prevention and treatment ofpostmenopausal osteoporosis. Taken daily (5 mg dose) or weekly (35 mgdose or 35 mg dose with calcium), risedronate slows bone loss, increasesbone density and reduces the risk of spine and non-spine fractures.Risedronate also is approved for use by men and women to prevent and/ortreat glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis that results from long-termuse of these medications (i.e., prednisone or cortisone). Calcitonin isa naturally occurring hormone involved in calcium regulation and bonemetabolism. In women who are more than 5 years beyond menopause,calcitonin slows bone loss, increases spinal bone density, and mayrelieve the pain associated with bone fractures. Calcitonin reduces therisk of spinal fractures. Calcitonin is available as an injection(50-100 IU daily) or nasal spray (200 IU daily).

A patient may also benefit from conjointly receiving a TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complex, or combinations of TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes, and additional bone-activemedications. Estrogen therapy (ET)/hormone therapy (HT) is approved forthe prevention of osteoporosis. ET has been shown to reduce bone loss,increase bone density in both the spine and hip, and reduce the risk ofhip and spinal fractures in postmenopausal women. ET is administeredmost commonly in the form of a pill or skin patch that delivers a lowdose of approximately 0.3 mg daily or a standard dose of approximately0.625 mg daily and is effective even when started after age 70. Whenestrogen is taken alone, it can increase a woman's risk of developingcancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer). To eliminate thisrisk, healthcare providers prescribe the hormone progestin incombination with estrogen (hormone replacement therapy or HT) for thosewomen who have an intact uterus. ET/HT relieves menopause symptoms andhas been shown to have a beneficial effect on bone health. Side effectsmay include vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, mood disturbances andgallbladder disease. Raloxifene, 60 mg a day, is approved for theprevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is from aclass of drugs called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)that have been developed to provide the beneficial effects of estrogenswithout their potential disadvantages. Raloxifene increases bone massand reduces the risk of spine fractures. Data are not yet available todemonstrate that raloxifene can reduce the risk of hip and othernon-spine fractures. Teriparatide, a form of parathyroid hormone, isapproved for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women andmen who are at high risk for a fracture. This medication stimulates newbone formation and significantly increases bone mineral density. Inpostmenopausal women, fracture reduction was noted in the spine, hip,foot, ribs and wrist. In men, fracture reduction was noted in the spine,but there were insufficient data to evaluate fracture reduction at othersites. Teriparatide is self-administered as a daily injection for up to24 months.

In other embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, orcombinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes can beused for regulating body fat content in an animal and for treating orpreventing conditions related thereto, and particularly,health-compromising conditions related thereto. According to the presentinvention, to regulate (control) body weight can refer to reducing orincreasing body weight, reducing or increasing the rate of weight gain,or increasing or reducing the rate of weight loss, and also includesactively maintaining, or not significantly changing body weight (e.g.,against external or internal influences which may otherwise increase ordecrease body weight). One embodiment of the present disclosure relatesto regulating body weight by administering to an animal (e.g., a human)in need thereof a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, orcombinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexese, of thedisclosure.

In some embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, orcombinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thepresent disclosure can be used for reducing body weight and/or reducingweight gain in an animal, and more particularly, for treating orameliorating obesity in patients at risk for or suffering from obesity.In another specific embodiment, the present invention is directed tomethods and compounds for treating an animal that is unable to gain orretain weight (e.g., an animal with a wasting syndrome). Such methodsare effective to increase body weight and/or mass, or to reduce weightand/or mass loss, or to improve conditions associated with or caused byundesirably low (e.g., unhealthy) body weight and/or mass. In addition,disorders of high cholesterol (e.g., hypercholesterolemia ordislipidemia) may be treated with a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplex, or combinations of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes, of the disclosure.

In certain aspects, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or acombination of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thepresent disclosure can be used to increase red blood cell levels, treator prevent an anemia, and/or treat or prevent ineffective erythropoiesisin a subject in need thereof. In certain aspects, a TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complex, or a combination of TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes, of the present disclosure may be used incombination with conventional therapeutic approaches for increasing redblood cell levels, particularly those used to treat anemias ofmultifactorial origin. Conventional therapeutic approaches forincreasing red blood cell levels include, for example, red blood celltransfusion, administration of one or more EPO receptor activators,hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immunosuppressive biologics anddrugs (e.g., corticosteroids). In certain embodiments, a TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complex, or a combination of TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes, of the present disclosure can beused to treat or prevent ineffective erythropoiesis and/or the disordersassociated with ineffective erythropoiesis in a subject in need thereof.In certain aspects, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or acombination of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of thepresent disclosure can be used in combination with conventionaltherapeutic approaches for treating or preventing an anemia orineffective erythropoiesis disorder, particularly those used to treatanemias of multifactorial origin.

In general, treatment or prevention of a disease or condition asdescribed in the present disclosure is achieved by administering aTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or a combination ofTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, of the present disclosurein an “effective amount”. An effective amount of an agent refers to anamount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, toachieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic result. A“therapeutically effective amount” of an agent of the present disclosuremay vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, andweight of the individual, and the ability of the agent to elicit adesired response in the individual. A “prophylactically effectiveamount” refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods oftime necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result.

In certain embodiments, a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex,or a combination of TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes,optionally combined with an EPO receptor activator, may be used toincrease red blood cell, hemoglobin, or reticulocyte levels in healthyindividuals and selected patient populations. Examples of appropriatepatient populations include those with undesirably low red blood cell orhemoglobin levels, such as patients having an anemia, and those that areat risk for developing undesirably low red blood cell or hemoglobinlevels, such as those patients who are about to undergo major surgery orother procedures that may result in substantial blood loss. In oneembodiment, a patient with adequate red blood cell levels is treatedwith a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex, or a combination ofTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes, to increase red bloodcell levels, and then blood is drawn and stored for later use intransfusions.

One or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure, optionally combined with an EPO receptor activator, may beused to increase red blood cell levels, hemoglobin levels, and/orhematocrit levels in a patient having an anemia. When observinghemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels in humans, a level of less thannormal for the appropriate age and gender category may be indicative ofanemia, although individual variations are taken into account. Forexample, a hemoglobin level from 10-12.5 g/dl, and typically about 11.0g/dl is considered to be within the normal range in health adults,although, in terms of therapy, a lower target level may cause fewercardiovascular side effects [see, e.g., Jacobs et al. (2000) NephrolDial Transplant 15, 15-19]. Alternatively, hematocrit levels (percentageof the volume of a blood sample occupied by the cells) can be used as ameasure for anemia. Hematocrit levels for healthy individuals range fromabout 41-51% for adult males and from 35-45% for adult females. Incertain embodiments, a patient may be treated with a dosing regimenintended to restore the patient to a target level of red blood cells,hemoglobin, and/or hematocrit. As hemoglobin and hematocrit levels varyfrom person to person, optimally, the target hemoglobin and/orhematocrit level can be individualized for each patient.

Anemia is frequently observed in patients having a tissue injury, aninfection, and/or a chronic disease, particularly cancer. In somesubjects, anemia is distinguished by low erythropoietin levels and/or aninadequate response to erythropoietin in the bone marrow [see, e.g.,Adamson (2008) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th ed.;McGraw Hill, New York, pp 628-634]. Potential causes of anemia include,for example, blood loss, nutritional deficits (e.g. reduced dietaryintake of protein), medication reaction, various problems associatedwith the bone marrow, and many diseases. More particularly, anemia hasbeen associated with a variety of disorders and conditions that include,for example, bone marrow transplantation; solid tumors (e.g., breastcancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer); tumors of the lymphatic system(e.g., chronic lymphocyte leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and Hodgkinslymphoma); tumors of the hematopoietic system (e.g., leukemia, amyelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma); radiation therapy;chemotherapy (e.g., platinum containing regimens); inflammatory andautoimmune diseases, including, but not limited to, rheumatoidarthritis, other inflammatory arthritides, systemic lupus erythematosis(SLE), acute or chronic skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis), inflammatorybowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); acute orchronic renal disease or failure, including idiopathic or congenitalconditions; acute or chronic liver disease; acute or chronic bleeding;situations where transfusion of red blood cells is not possible due topatient allo- or auto-antibodies and/or for religious reasons (e.g.,some Jehovah's Witnesses); infections (e.g., malaria and osteomyelitis);hemoglobinopathies including, for example, sickle cell disease (anemia),thalassemias; drug use or abuse (e.g., alcohol misuse); pediatricpatients with anemia from any cause to avoid transfusion; and elderlypatients or patients with underlying cardiopulmonary disease with anemiawho cannot receive transfusions due to concerns about circulatoryoverload [see, e.g., Adamson (2008) Harrison's Principles of InternalMedicine, 17th ed.; McGraw Hill, New York, pp 628-634]. In someembodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure could be used to treat or prevent anemia associatedwith one or more of the disorders or conditions disclosed herein.

Many factors can contribute to cancer-related anemia. Some areassociated with the disease process itself and the generation ofinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1, interferon-gamma, andtumor necrosis factor [Bron et al. (2001) Semin Oncol 28(Suppl 8):1-6].Among its effects, inflammation induces the key iron-regulatory peptidehepcidin, thereby inhibiting iron export from macrophages and generallylimiting iron availability for erythropoiesis [see, e.g., Ganz (2007) JAm Soc Nephrol 18:394-400]. Blood loss through various routes can alsocontribute to cancer-related anemia. The prevalence of anemia due tocancer progression varies with cancer type, ranging from 5% in prostatecancer up to 90% in multiple myeloma. Cancer-related anemia has profoundconsequences for patients, including fatigue and reduced quality oflife, reduced treatment efficacy, and increased mortality. In someembodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure, optionally combined with an EPO receptor activator,could be used to treat a cancer-related anemia.

A hypoproliferative anemia can result from primary dysfunction orfailure of the bone marrow. Hypoproliferative anemias include: anemia ofchronic disease, anemia of kidney disease, anemia associated withhypometabolic states, and anemia associated with cancer. In each ofthese types, endogenous erythropoietin levels are inappropriately lowfor the degree of anemia observed. Other hypoproliferative anemiasinclude: early-stage iron-deficient anemia, and anemia caused by damageto the bone marrow. In these types, endogenous erythropoietin levels areappropriately elevated for the degree of anemia observed. Prominentexamples would be myelosuppression caused by cancer and/orchemotherapeutic drugs or cancer radiation therapy. A broad review ofclinical trials found that mild anemia can occur in 100% of patientsafter chemotherapy, while more severe anemia can occur in up to 80% ofsuch patients [see, e.g., Groopman et al. (1999) J Natl Cancer Inst91:1616-1634]. Myelosuppressive drugs include, for example: 1)alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards (e.g., melphalan) andnitrosoureas (e.g., streptozocin); 2) antimetabolites such as folic acidantagonists (e.g., methotrexate), purine analogs (e.g., thioguanine),and pyrimidine analogs (e.g., gemcitabine); 3) cytotoxic antibioticssuch as anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin); 4) kinase inhibitors (e.g.,gefitinib); 5) mitotic inhibitors such as taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel) andvinca alkaloids (e.g., vinorelbine); 6) monoclonal antibodies (e.g.,rituximab); and 7) topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g., topotecan andetoposide). In addition, conditions resulting in a hypometabolic ratecan produce a mild-to-moderate hypoproliferative anemia. Among suchconditions are endocrine deficiency states. For example, anemia canoccur in Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, ormales who are castrated or treated with estrogen. In some embodiments,one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure, optionally combined with an EPO receptor activator, could beused to treat a hyperproliferative anemia.

Chronic kidney disease is sometimes associated with hypoproliferativeanemia, and the degree of the anemia varies in severity with the levelof renal impairment. Such anemia is primarily due to inadequateproduction of erythropoietin and reduced survival of red blood cells.Chronic kidney disease usually proceeds gradually over a period of yearsor decades to end-stage (Stage 5) disease, at which point dialysis orkidney transplantation is required for patient survival. Anemia oftendevelops early in this process and worsens as disease progresses. Theclinical consequences of anemia of kidney disease are well-documentedand include development of left ventricular hypertrophy, impairedcognitive function, reduced quality of life, and altered immune function[see, e.g., Levin et al. (1999) Am J Kidney Dis 27:347-354; Nissenson(1992) Am J Kidney Dis 20(Suppl 1):21-24; Revicki et al. (1995) Am JKidney Dis 25:548-554; Gafter et al., (1994) Kidney Int 45:224-231]. Insome embodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure, optionally combined with an EPO receptoractivator, could be used to treat anemia associated with acute orchronic renal disease or failure.

Anemia resulting from acute blood loss of sufficient volume, such asfrom trauma or postpartum hemorrhage, is known as acute post-hemorrhagicanemia. Acute blood loss initially causes hypovolemia without anemiasince there is proportional depletion of RBCs along with other bloodconstituents. However, hypovolemia will rapidly trigger physiologicmechanisms that shift fluid from the extravascular to the vascularcompartment, which results in hemodilution and anemia. If chronic, bloodloss gradually depletes body iron stores and eventually leads to irondeficiency. In some embodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure, optionally combined with anEPO receptor activator, could be used to treat anemia resulting fromacute blood loss.

Iron-deficiency anemia is the final stage in a graded progression ofincreasing iron deficiency which includes negative iron balance andiron-deficient erythropoiesis as intermediate stages. Iron deficiencycan result from increased iron demand, decreased iron intake, orincreased iron loss, as exemplified in conditions such as pregnancy,inadequate diet, intestinal malabsorption, acute or chronicinflammation, and acute or chronic blood loss. With mild-to-moderateanemia of this type, the bone marrow remains hypoproliferative, and RBCmorphology is largely normal; however, even mild anemia can result insome microcytic hypochromic RBCs, and the transition to severeiron-deficient anemia is accompanied by hyperproliferation of the bonemarrow and increasingly prevalent microcytic and hypochromic RBCs [see,e.g., Adamson (2008) Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17thed.; McGraw Hill, New York, pp 628-634]. Appropriate therapy foriron-deficiency anemia depends on its cause and severity, with oral ironpreparations, parenteral iron formulations, and RBC transfusion as majorconventional options. In some embodiments, one or more TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure, optionallycombined with an EPO receptor activator, could be used to treat achronic iron-deficiency.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a diverse collection of hematologicalconditions characterized by ineffective production of myeloid bloodcells and risk of transformation to acute myelogenous leukemia. In MDSpatients, blood stem cells do not mature into healthy red blood cells,white blood cells, or platelets. MDS disorders include, for example,refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts,refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excessblasts in transformation, refractory cytopenia with multilineagedysplasia, and myelodysplastic syndrome associated with an isolated 5qchromosome abnormality. As these disorders manifest as irreversibledefects in both quantity and quality of hematopoietic cells, most MDSpatients are afflicted with chronic anemia. Therefore, MDS patientseventually require blood transfusions and/or treatment with growthfactors (e.g., erythropoietin or G-CSF) to increase red blood celllevels. However, many MDS patients develop side-effects due to frequencyof such therapies. For example, patients who receive frequent red bloodcell transfusion can exhibit tissue and organ damage from the buildup ofextra iron. Accordingly, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure, may be used to treat patients having MDS.In certain embodiments, patients suffering from MDS may be treated usingone or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure, optionally in combination with an EPO receptor activator. Inother embodiments, patients suffering from MDS may be treated using acombination of one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure and one or more additional therapeutic agents fortreating MDS including, for example, thalidomide, lenalidomide,azacitadine, decitabine, erythropoietins, deferoxamine, antithymocyteglobulin, and filgrastrim (G-CSF).

Originally distinguished from aplastic anemia, hemorrhage, or peripheralhemolysis on the basis of ferrokinetic studies [see, e.g., Ricketts etal. (1978) Clin Nucl Med 3:159-164], ineffective erythropoiesisdescribes a diverse group of anemias in which production of mature RBCsis less than would be expected given the number of erythroid precursors(erythroblasts) present in the bone marrow [Tanno et al. (2010) AdvHematol 2010:358283]. In such anemias, tissue hypoxia persists despiteelevated erythropoietin levels due to ineffective production of matureRBCs. A vicious cycle eventually develops in which elevatederythropoietin levels drive massive expansion of erythroblasts,potentially leading to splenomegaly (spleen enlargement) due toextramedullary erythropoiesis [see, e.g., Aizawa et al. (2003) Am JHematol 74:68-72], erythroblast-induced bone pathology [see, e.g., DiMatteo et al. (2008) J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 22:211-216], and tissueiron overload, even in the absence of therapeutic RBC transfusions [see,e.g., Pippard et al. (1979) Lancet 2:819-821]. Thus, by boostingerythropoietic effectiveness, one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the present disclosure may break theaforementioned cycle and thus alleviate not only the underlying anemiabut also the associated complications of elevated erythropoietin levels,splenomegaly, bone pathology, and tissue iron overload. In someembodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the present disclosure can be used to treat or prevent ineffectiveerythropoiesis, including anemia and elevated EPO levels as well ascomplications such as splenomegaly, erythroblast-induced bone pathology,iron overload, and their attendant pathologies. With splenomegaly, suchpathologies include thoracic or abdominal pain and reticuloendothelialhyperplasia. Extramedullary hematopoiesis can occur not only in thespleen but potentially in other tissues in the form of extramedullaryhematopoietic pseudotumors [see, e.g., Musallam et al. (2012) ColdSpring Harb Perspect Med 2:a013482]. With erythroblast-induced bonepathology, attendant pathologies include low bone mineral density,osteoporosis, and bone pain [see, e.g., Haidar et al. (2011) Bone48:425-432]. With iron overload, attendant pathologies include hepcidinsuppression and hyperabsorption of dietary iron [see, e.g., Musallam etal. (2012) Blood Rev 26(Suppl 1):S16-S19], multiple endocrinopathies andliver fibrosis/cirrhosis [see, e.g., Galanello et al. (2010) Orphanet JRare Dis 5:11], and iron-overload cardiomyopathy [Lekawanvijit et al.,2009, Can J Cardiol 25:213-218].

The most common causes of ineffective erythropoiesis are the thalassemiasyndromes, hereditary hemoglobinopathies in which imbalances in theproduction of intact alpha- and beta-hemoglobin chains lead to increasedapoptosis during erythroblast maturation [see, e.g., Schrier (2002) CurrOpin Hematol 9:123-126]. Thalassemias are collectively among the mostfrequent genetic disorders worldwide, with changing epidemiologicpatterns predicted to contribute to a growing public health problem inboth the U.S. and globally [Vichinsky (2005) Ann NY Acad Sci1054:18-24]. Thalassemia syndromes are named according to theirseverity. Thus, α-thalassemias include α-thalassemia minor (also knownas α-thalassemia trait; two affected α-globin genes), hemoglobin Hdisease (three affected α-globin genes), and α-thalassemia major (alsoknown as hydrops fetalis; four affected α-globin genes). β-Thalassemiasinclude β-thalassemia minor (also known as β-thalassemia trait; oneaffected β-globin gene), β-thalassemia intermedia (two affected β-globingenes), hemoglobin E thalassemia (two affected β-globin genes), andβ-thalassemia major (also known as Cooley's anemia; two affectedβ-globin genes resulting in a complete absence of β-globin protein).β-Thalassemia impacts multiple organs, is associated with considerablemorbidity and mortality, and currently requires life-long care. Althoughlife expectancy in patients with β-thalassemia has increased in recentyears due to use of regular blood transfusions in combination with ironchelation, iron overload resulting both from transfusions and fromexcessive gastrointestinal absorption of iron can cause seriouscomplications such as heart disease, thrombosis, hypogonadism,hypothyroidism, diabetes, osteoporosis, and osteopenia [see, e.g., Rundet al. (2005) N Engl J Med 353:1135-1146]. In certain embodiments, oneor more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure,optionally combined with an EPO receptor activator, can be used to treator prevent a thalassemia syndrome.

In some embodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure, optionally combined with an EPO receptoractivator, can be used for treating disorders of ineffectiveerythropoiesis besides thalassemia syndromes. Such disorders includesiderblastic anemia (inherited or acquired); dyserythropoietic anemia(types I and II); sickle cell anemia; hereditary spherocytosis; pyruvatekinase deficiency; megaloblastic anemias, potentially caused byconditions such as folate deficiency (due to congenital diseases,decreased intake, or increased requirements), cobalamin deficiency (dueto congenital diseases, pernicious anemia, impaired absorption,pancreatic insufficiency, or decreased intake), certain drugs, orunexplained causes (congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, refractorymegaloblastic anemia, or erythroleukemia); myelophthisic anemiasincluding, for example, myelofibrosis (myeloid metaplasia) andmyelophthisis; congenital erythropoietic porphyria; and lead poisoning.

In certain embodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure may be used in combination with supportivetherapies for ineffective erythropoiesis. Such therapies includetransfusion with either red blood cells or whole blood to treat anemia.In chronic or hereditary anemias, normal mechanisms for iron homeostasisare overwhelmed by repeated transfusions, eventually leading to toxicand potentially fatal accumulation of iron in vital tissues such asheart, liver, and endocrine glands. Thus, supportive therapies forpatients chronically afflicted with ineffective erythropoiesis alsoinclude treatment with one or more iron-chelating molecules to promoteiron excretion in the urine and/or stool and thereby prevent, orreverse, tissue iron overload [see, e.g., Hershko (2006) Haematologica91:1307-1312; Cao et al. (2011), Pediatr Rep 3(2):e17]. Effectiveiron-chelating agents should be able to selectively bind and neutralizeferric iron, the oxidized form of non-transferrin bound iron whichlikely accounts for most iron toxicity through catalytic production ofhydroxyl radicals and oxidation products [see, e.g., Esposito et al.(2003) Blood 102:2670-2677]. These agents are structurally diverse, butall possess oxygen or nitrogen donor atoms able to form neutralizingoctahedral coordination complexes with individual iron atoms instoichiometries of 1:1 (hexadentate agents), 2:1 (tridentate), or 3:1(bidentate) [Kalinowski et al. (2005) Pharmacol Rev 57:547-583]. Ingeneral, effective iron-chelating agents also are relatively lowmolecular weight (e.g., less than 700 daltons), with solubility in bothwater and lipids to enable access to affected tissues. Specific examplesof iron-chelating molecules include deferoxamine, a hexadentate agent ofbacterial origin requiring daily parenteral administration, and theorally active synthetic agents deferiprone (bidentate) and deferasirox(tridentate). Combination therapy consisting of same-day administrationof two iron-chelating agents shows promise in patients unresponsive tochelation monotherapy and also in overcoming issues of poor patientcompliance with dereroxamine alone [Cao et al. (2011) Pediatr Rep3(2):e17; Galanello et al. (2010) Ann NY Acad Sci 1202:79-86].

As used herein, “in combination with” or “conjoint administration”refers to any form of administration such that the second therapy isstill effective in the body (e.g., the two compounds are simultaneouslyeffective in the patient, which may include synergistic effects of thetwo compounds). Effectiveness may not correlate to measurableconcentration of the agent in blood, serum, or plasma. For example, thedifferent therapeutic compounds can be administered either in the sameformulation or in separate formulations, either concomitantly orsequentially, and on different schedules. Thus, an individual whoreceives such treatment can benefit from a combined effect of differenttherapies. One or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure can be administered concurrently with, prior to, orsubsequent to, one or more other additional agents or supportivetherapies. In general, each therapeutic agent will be administered at adose and/or on a time schedule determined for that particular agent. Theparticular combination to employ in a regimen will take into accountcompatibility of the antagonist of the present disclosure with thetherapy and/or the desired therapeutic effect to be achieved.

In certain embodiments, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure may be used in combination with hepcidin ora hepcidin agonist for ineffective erythropoiesis. A circulatingpolypeptide produced mainly in the liver, hepcidin is considered amaster regulator of iron metabolism by virtue of its ability to inducethe degradation of ferroportin, an iron-export protein localized onabsorptive enterocytes, hepatocytes, and macrophages. Broadly speaking,hepcidin reduces availability of extracellular iron, so hepcidinagonists may be beneficial in the treatment of ineffectiveerythropoiesis [see, e.g., Nemeth (2010) Adv Hematol 2010:750643]. Thisview is supported by beneficial effects of increased hepcidin expressionin a mouse model of β-thalassemia [Gardenghi et al. (2010) J Clin Invest120:4466-4477].

One or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure, optionally combined with an EPO receptor activator, wouldalso be appropriate for treating anemias of disordered RBC maturation,which are characterized in part by undersized (microcytic), oversized(macrocytic), misshapen, or abnormally colored (hypochromic) RBCs.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods oftreating or preventing anemia in an individual in need thereof byadministering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount ofone or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure and a EPO receptor activator. In certain embodiments, one ormore TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure maybe used in combination with EPO receptor activators to reduce therequired dose of these activators in patients that are susceptible toadverse effects of EPO. These methods may be used for therapeutic andprophylactic treatments of a patient.

One or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure may be used in combination with EPO receptor activators toachieve an increase in red blood cells, particularly at lower doseranges of EPO receptor activators. This may be beneficial in reducingthe known off-target effects and risks associated with high doses of EPOreceptor activators. The primary adverse effects of EPO include, forexample, an excessive increase in the hematocrit or hemoglobin levelsand polycythemia. Elevated hematocrit levels can lead to hypertension(more particularly aggravation of hypertension) and vascular thrombosis.Other adverse effects of EPO which have been reported, some of whichrelate to hypertension, are headaches, influenza-like syndrome,obstruction of shunts, myocardial infarctions and cerebral convulsionsdue to thrombosis, hypertensive encephalopathy, and red cell blood cellaplasia. See, e.g., Singibarti (1994) J. Clin Investig 72(suppl 6),S36-S43; Horl et al. (2000) Nephrol Dial Transplant 15(suppl 4), 51-56;Delanty et al. (1997) Neurology 49, 686-689; and Bunn (2002) N Engl JMed 346(7), 522-523).

Provided that TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thepresent disclosure act by a different mechanism than EPO, theseantagonists may be useful for increasing red blood cell and hemoglobinlevels in patients that do not respond well to EPO. For example, aTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex of the present disclosuremay be beneficial for a patient in which administration of anormal-to-increased dose of EPO (>300 IU/kg/week) does not result in theincrease of hemoglobin level up to the target level. Patients with aninadequate EPO response are found in all types of anemia, but highernumbers of non-responders have been observed particularly frequently inpatients with cancers and patients with end-stage renal disease. Aninadequate response to EPO can be either constitutive (observed upon thefirst treatment with EPO) or acquired (observed upon repeated treatmentwith EPO).

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods formanaging a patient that has been treated with, or is a candidate to betreated with, one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure by measuring one or more hematologic parameters in thepatient. The hematologic parameters may be used to evaluate appropriatedosing for a patient who is a candidate to be treated with theantagonist of the present disclosure, to monitor the hematologicparameters during treatment, to evaluate whether to adjust the dosageduring treatment with one or more antagonist of the disclosure, and/orto evaluate an appropriate maintenance dose of one or more antagonistsof the disclosure. If one or more of the hematologic parameters areoutside the normal level, dosing with one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may be reduced, delayed orterminated.

Hematologic parameters that may be measured in accordance with themethods provided herein include, for example, red blood cell levels,blood pressure, iron stores, and other agents found in bodily fluidsthat correlate with increased red blood cell levels, usingart-recognized methods. Such parameters may be determined using a bloodsample from a patient. Increases in red blood cell levels, hemoglobinlevels, and/or hematocrit levels may cause increases in blood pressure.

In one embodiment, if one or more hematologic parameters are outside thenormal range or on the high side of normal in a patient who is acandidate to be treated with one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure, then onset of administrationof the one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure may be delayed until the hematologic parameters have returnedto a normal or acceptable level either naturally or via therapeuticintervention. For example, if a candidate patient is hypertensive orpre-hypertensive, then the patient may be treated with a blood pressurelowering agent in order to reduce the patient's blood pressure. Anyblood pressure lowering agent appropriate for the individual patient'scondition may be used including, for example, diuretics, adrenergicinhibitors (including alpha blockers and beta blockers), vasodilators,calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Blood pressure mayalternatively be treated using a diet and exercise regimen. Similarly,if a candidate patient has iron stores that are lower than normal, or onthe low side of normal, then the patient may be treated with anappropriate regimen of diet and/or iron supplements until the patient'siron stores have returned to a normal or acceptable level. For patientshaving higher than normal red blood cell levels and/or hemoglobinlevels, then administration of the one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may be delayed until thelevels have returned to a normal or acceptable level.

In certain embodiments, if one or more hematologic parameters areoutside the normal range or on the high side of normal in a patient whois a candidate to be treated with one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure, then the onset ofadministration may not be delayed. However, the dosage amount orfrequency of dosing of the one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may be set at an amount thatwould reduce the risk of an unacceptable increase in the hematologicparameters arising upon administration of the one or more TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure. Alternatively, atherapeutic regimen may be developed for the patient that combines oneor more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosurewith a therapeutic agent that addresses the undesirable level of thehematologic parameter. For example, if the patient has elevated bloodpressure, then a therapeutic regimen involving administration of one ormore TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure anda blood pressure-lowering agent may be designed. For a patient havinglower than desired iron stores, a therapeutic regimen of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure and ironsupplementation may be developed.

In one embodiment, baseline parameter(s) for one or more hematologicparameters may be established for a patient who is a candidate to betreated with one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure and an appropriate dosing regimen established for thatpatient based on the baseline value(s). Alternatively, establishedbaseline parameters based on a patient's medical history could be usedto inform an appropriate dosing regimen for a patient. For example, if ahealthy patient has an established baseline blood pressure reading thatis above the defined normal range it may not be necessary to bring thepatient's blood pressure into the range that is considered normal forthe general population prior to treatment with the one or more TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure. A patient'sbaseline values for one or more hematologic parameters prior totreatment with one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexesof the disclosure may also be used as the relevant comparative valuesfor monitoring any changes to the hematologic parameters duringtreatment with the one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure.

In certain embodiments, one or more hematologic parameters are measuredin patients who are being treated with a one or more TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure. The hematologicparameters may be used to monitor the patient during treatment andpermit adjustment or termination of the dosing with the one or moreTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure oradditional dosing with another therapeutic agent. For example, ifadministration of one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure of the disclosure results in an increase inblood pressure, red blood cell level, or hemoglobin level, or areduction in iron stores, then the dose of the one or more TGF-betasuperfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may be reduced inamount or frequency in order to decrease the effects of the one or moreTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure on theone or more hematologic parameters. If administration of one or moreTGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of the disclosure resultsin a change in one or more hematologic parameters that is adverse to thepatient, then the dosing of the one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure may be terminated eithertemporarily, until the hematologic parameter(s) return to an acceptablelevel, or permanently. Similarly, if one or more hematologic parametersare not brought within an acceptable range after reducing the dose orfrequency of administration of the one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure, then the dosing may beterminated. As an alternative, or in addition to, reducing orterminating the dosing with the one or more TGF-beta superfamilyheteromultimer complexes of the disclosure, the patient may be dosedwith an additional therapeutic agent that addresses the undesirablelevel in the hematologic parameter(s), such as, for example, a bloodpressure-lowering agent or an iron supplement. For example, if a patientbeing treated with one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimercomplexes of the disclosure has elevated blood pressure, then dosingwith the one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure may continue at the same level and a bloodpressure-lowering agent is added to the treatment regimen, dosing withthe one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thedisclosure may be reduced (e.g., in amount and/or frequency) and a bloodpressure-lowering agent is added to the treatment regimen, or dosingwith the one or more TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes ofthe disclosure may be terminated and the patient may be treated with ablood pressure-lowering agent.

6. Pharmaceutical Compositions

In certain aspects, TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complexes of thepresent disclosure can be administered alone or as a component of apharmaceutical formulation (also referred to as a therapeuticcomposition or pharmaceutical composition). A pharmaceutical formationrefers to a preparation which is in such form as to permit thebiological activity of an active ingredient (e.g., an agent of thepresent disclosure) contained therein to be effective and which containsno additional components which are unacceptably toxic to a subject towhich the formulation would be administered. The subject compounds maybe formulated for administration in any convenient way for use in humanor veterinary medicine. For example, one or more agents of the presentdisclosure may be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier refers to an ingredient in apharmaceutical formulation, other than an active ingredient, which isgenerally nontoxic to a subject. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrierincludes, but is not limited to, a buffer, excipient, stabilizer, and/orpreservative. In general, pharmaceutical formulations for use in thepresent disclosure are in a pyrogen-free, physiologically-acceptableform when administered to a subject. Therapeutically useful agents otherthan those described herein, which may optionally be included in theformulation as described above, may be administered in combination withthe subject agents in the methods of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, compositions will be administered parenterally[e.g., by intravenous (I. V.) injection, intraarterial injection,intraosseous injection, intramuscular injection, intrathecal injection,subcutaneous injection, or intradermal injection]. Pharmaceuticalcompositions suitable for parenteral administration may comprise one ormore agents of the disclosure in combination with one or morepharmaceutically acceptable sterile isotonic aqueous or nonaqueoussolutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, or sterile powderswhich may be reconstituted into sterile injectable solutions ordispersions just prior to use. Injectable solutions or dispersions maycontain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, suspending agents,thickening agents, or solutes which render the formulation isotonic withthe blood of the intended recipient. Examples of suitable aqueous andnonaqueous carriers which may be employed in the pharmaceuticalformulations of the present disclosure include water, ethanol, polyols(e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, etc.), vegetableoils (e.g., olive oil), injectable organic esters (e.g., ethyl oleate),and suitable mixtures thereof. Proper fluidity can be maintained, forexample, by the use of coating materials (e.g., lecithin), by themaintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions,and by the use of surfactants.

In some embodiments, a therapeutic method of the present disclosureincludes administering the pharmaceutical composition systemically, orlocally, from an implant or device. Further, the pharmaceuticalcomposition may be encapsulated or injected in a form for delivery to atarget tissue site (e.g., bone marrow or muscle). In certainembodiments, compositions of the present disclosure may include a matrixcapable of delivering one or more of the agents of the presentdisclosure to a target tissue site (e.g., bone marrow or muscle),providing a structure for the developing tissue and optimally capable ofbeing resorbed into the body. For example, the matrix may provide slowrelease of one or more agents of the present disclosure. Such matricesmay be formed of materials presently in use for other implanted medicalapplications.

The choice of matrix material may be based on one or more of:biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties, cosmeticappearance, and interface properties. The particular application of thesubject compositions will define the appropriate formulation. Potentialmatrices for the compositions may be biodegradable and chemicallydefined calcium sulfate, tricalciumphosphate, hydroxyapatite, polylacticacid, and polyanhydrides. Other potential materials are biodegradableand biologically well-defined including, for example, bone or dermalcollagen. Further matrices are comprised of pure proteins orextracellular matrix components. Other potential matrices arenon-biodegradable and chemically defined including, for example,sintered hydroxyapatite, bioglass, aluminates, or other ceramics.Matrices may be comprised of combinations of any of the above mentionedtypes of material including, for example, polylactic acid andhydroxyapatite or collagen and tricalciumphosphate. The bioceramics maybe altered in composition (e.g., calcium-aluminate-phosphate) andprocessing to alter one or more of pore size, particle size, particleshape, and biodegradability.

In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions of presentdisclosure can be administered topically. “Topical application” or“topically” means contact of the pharmaceutical composition with bodysurfaces including, for example, the skin, wound sites, and mucousmembranes. The topical pharmaceutical compositions can have variousapplication forms and typically comprises a drug-containing layer, whichis adapted to be placed near to or in direct contact with the tissueupon topically administering the composition. Pharmaceuticalcompositions suitable for topical administration may comprise one ormore one or more TGFβ superfamily type I and/or type II receptorpolypeptide complexes of the disclosure in combination formulated as aliquid, a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a foam, a paste, a putty,a semi-solid, or a solid. Compositions in the liquid, gel, cream,lotion, ointment, foam, paste, or putty form can be applied byspreading, spraying, smearing, dabbing or rolling the composition on thetarget tissue. The compositions also may be impregnated into steriledressings, transdermal patches, plasters, and bandages. Compositions ofthe putty, semi-solid or solid forms may be deformable. They may beelastic or non-elastic (e.g., flexible or rigid). In certain aspects,the composition forms part of a composite and can include fibers,particulates, or multiple layers with the same or differentcompositions.

Topical compositions in the liquid form may include pharmaceuticallyacceptable solutions, emulsions, microemulsions, and suspensions. Inaddition to the active ingredient(s), the liquid dosage form may containan inert diluent commonly used in the art including, for example, wateror other solvent, a solubilizing agent and/or emulsifier [e.g., ethylalcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzylalcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butylene glycol, anoil (e.g., cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesameoil), glycerol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, a polyethylene glycol, a fattyacid ester of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof].

Topical gel, cream, lotion, ointment, semi-solid or solid compositionsmay include one or more thickening agents, such as a polysaccharide,synthetic polymer or protein-based polymer. In one embodiment of theinvention, the gelling agent herein is one that is suitably nontoxic andgives the desired viscosity. The thickening agents may include polymers,copolymers, and monomers of: vinylpyrrolidones, methacrylamides,acrylamides N-vinylimidazoles, carboxy vinyls, vinyl esters, vinylethers, silicones, polyethyleneoxides, polyethyleneglycols,vinylalcohols, sodium acrylates, acrylates, maleic acids,NN-dimethylacrylamides, diacetone acrylamides, acrylamides, acryloylmorpholine, pluronic, collagens, polyacrylamides, polyacrylates,polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylenes, polyvinyl silicates, polyacrylatessubstituted with a sugar (e.g., sucrose, glucose, glucosamines,galactose, trehalose, mannose, or lactose), acylamidopropane sulfonicacids, tetramethoxyorthosilicates, methyltrimethoxyorthosilicates,tetraalkoxyorthosilicates, trialkoxyorthosilicates, glycols, propyleneglycol, glycerine, polysaccharides, alginates, dextrans, cyclodextrin,celluloses, modified celluloses, oxidized celluloses, chitosans,chitins, guars, carrageenans, hyaluronic acids, inulin, starches,modified starches, agarose, methylcelluloses, plant gums, hylaronans,hydrogels, gelatins, glycosaminoglycans, carboxymethyl celluloses,hydroxyethyl celluloses, hydroxy propyl methyl celluloses, pectins,low-methoxy pectins, cross-linked dextrans, starch-acrylonitrile graftcopolymers, starch sodium polyacrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylates,hydroxyl ethyl acrylates, polyvinylene, polyethylvinylethers, polymethylmethacrylates, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyalkanoates, polylacticacids, polylactates, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), sulfonated hydrogels, AMPS(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid), SEM(sulfoethylmethacrylate), SPM (sulfopropyl methacrylate), SPA(sulfopropyl acrylate),N,N-dimethyl-N-methacryloxyethyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium betaine,methacryllic acid amidopropyl-dimethyl ammonium sulfobetaine, SPI(itaconic acid-bis(1-propyl sulfonizacid-3) ester di-potassium salt),itaconic acids, AMBC (3-acrylamido-3-methylbutanoic acid),beta-carboxyethyl acrylate (acrylic acid dimers), and maleicanhydride-methylvinyl ether polymers, derivatives thereof, saltsthereof, acids thereof, and combinations thereof. In certainembodiments, pharmaceutical compositions of present disclosure can beadministered orally, for example, in the form of capsules, cachets,pills, tablets, lozenges (using a flavored basis such as sucrose andacacia or tragacanth), powders, granules, a solution or a suspension inan aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquidemulsion, or an elixir or syrup, or pastille (using an inert base, suchas gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia), and/or a mouth wash,each containing a predetermined amount of a compound of the presentdisclosure and optionally one or more other active ingredients. Acompound of the present disclosure and optionally one or more otheractive ingredients may also be administered as a bolus, electuary, orpaste.

In solid dosage forms for oral administration (e.g., capsules, tablets,pills, dragees, powders, and granules), one or more compounds of thepresent disclosure may be mixed with one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers including, for example, sodium citrate, dicalciumphosphate, a filler or extender (e.g., a starch, lactose, sucrose,glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid), a binder (e.g.carboxymethylcellulose, an alginate, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,sucrose, and acacia), a humectant (e.g., glycerol), a disintegratingagent (e.g., agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch,alginic acid, a silicate, and sodium carbonate), a solution retardingagent (e.g. paraffin), an absorption accelerator (e.g. a quaternaryammonium compound), a wetting agent (e.g., cetyl alcohol and glycerolmonostearate), an absorbent (e.g., kaolin and bentonite clay), alubricant (e.g., a talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solidpolyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate), a coloring agent, andmixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, thepharmaceutical formulation (composition) may also comprise a bufferingagent. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed asfillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using one or moreexcipients including, e.g., lactose or a milk sugar as well as a highmolecular-weight polyethylene glycol.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration of the pharmaceuticalcomposition may include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions,microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. In additionto the active ingredient(s), the liquid dosage form may contain an inertdiluent commonly used in the art including, for example, water or othersolvent, a solubilizing agent and/or emulsifier [e.g., ethyl alcohol,isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol,benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, or 1,3-butylene glycol, an oil (e.g.,cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oil),glycerol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, a polyethylene glycol, a fatty acidester of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof]. Besides inert diluents, theoral formulation can also include an adjuvant including, for example, awetting agent, an emulsifying and suspending agent, a sweetening agent,a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, a perfuming agent, a preservativeagent, and combinations thereof.

Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, may contain suspendingagents including, for example, an ethoxylated isostearyl alcohol,polyoxyethylene sorbitol, a sorbitan ester, microcrystalline cellulose,aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar, tragacanth, andcombinations thereof.

Prevention of the action and/or growth of microorganisms may be ensuredby the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agentsincluding, for example, paraben, chlorobutanol, and phenol sorbic acid.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to include an isotonic agentincluding, for example, a sugar or sodium chloride into thecompositions. In addition, prolonged absorption of an injectablepharmaceutical form may be brought about by the inclusion of an agentthat delay absorption including, for example, aluminum monostearate andgelatin.

It is understood that the dosage regimen will be determined by theattending physician considering various factors which modify the actionof the one or more of the agents of the present disclosure. In the caseof a TGF-beta superfamily heteromultimer complex that promotes red bloodcell formation, various factors may include, but are not limited to, thepatient's red blood cell count, hemoglobin level, the desired target redblood cell count, the patient's age, the patient's sex, the patient'sdiet, the severity of any disease that may be contributing to adepressed red blood cell level, the time of administration, and otherclinical factors. The addition of other known active agents to the finalcomposition may also affect the dosage. Progress can be monitored byperiodic assessment of one or more of red blood cell levels, hemoglobinlevels, reticulocyte levels, and other indicators of the hematopoieticprocess.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure also provides genetherapy for the in vivo production of one or more of the agents of thepresent disclosure. Such therapy would achieve its therapeutic effect byintroduction of the agent sequences into cells or tissues having one ormore of the disorders as listed above. Delivery of the agent sequencescan be achieved, for example, by using a recombinant expression vectorsuch as a chimeric virus or a colloidal dispersion system. Preferredtherapeutic delivery of one or more of agent sequences of the disclosureis the use of targeted liposomes.

Various viral vectors which can be utilized for gene therapy as taughtherein include adenovirus, herpes virus, vaccinia, or an RNA virus(e.g., a retrovirus). The retroviral vector may be a derivative of amurine or avian retrovirus. Examples of retroviral vectors in which asingle foreign gene can be inserted include, but are not limited to:Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV), Harvey murine sarcoma virus(HaMuSV), murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV), and Rous Sarcoma Virus(RSV). A number of additional retroviral vectors can incorporatemultiple genes. All of these vectors can transfer or incorporate a genefor a selectable marker so that transduced cells can be identified andgenerated. Retroviral vectors can be made target-specific by attaching,for example, a sugar, a glycolipid, or a protein. Preferred targeting isaccomplished by using an antibody. Those of skill in the art willrecognize that specific polynucleotide sequences can be inserted intothe retroviral genome or attached to a viral envelope to allow targetspecific delivery of the retroviral vector containing one or more of theagents of the present disclosure.

Alternatively, tissue culture cells can be directly transfected withplasmids encoding the retroviral structural genes (gag, pol, and env),by conventional calcium phosphate transfection. These cells are thentransfected with the vector plasmid containing the genes of interest.The resulting cells release the retroviral vector into the culturemedium.

Another targeted delivery system for one or more of the agents of thepresent disclosure is a colloidal dispersion system. Colloidaldispersion systems include, for example, macromolecule complexes,nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems includingoil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes. Incertain embodiments, the preferred colloidal system of this disclosureis a liposome. Liposomes are artificial membrane vesicles which areuseful as delivery vehicles in vitro and in vivo. RNA, DNA, and intactvirions can be encapsulated within the aqueous interior and be deliveredto cells in a biologically active form. See, e.g., Fraley, et al. (1981)Trends Biochem. Sci., 6:77. Methods for efficient gene transfer using aliposome vehicle are known in the art. See, e.g., Mannino, et al. (1988)Biotechniques, 6:682, 1988.

The composition of the liposome is usually a combination ofphospholipids, which may include a steroid (e.g. cholesterol). Thephysical characteristics of liposomes depend on pH, ionic strength, andthe presence of divalent cations. Other phospholipids or other lipidsmay also be used including, for example a phosphatidyl compound (e.g.,phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine,phosphatidylethanolamine, a sphingolipid, a cerebroside, and aganglioside), egg phosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine,and distearoylphosphatidylcholine. The targeting of liposomes is alsopossible based on, for example, organ-specificity, cell-specificity, andorganelle-specificity and is known in the art.

EXEMPLIFICATION

The invention now being generally described, it will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following examples, which are includedmerely for purposes of illustration of certain embodiments andembodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit theinvention.

Example 1. Generation of an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIB and human ALK4,which are each separately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positionedbetween the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individualconstructs are referred to as ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK4-Fcfusion polypeptide, respectively, and the sequences for each areprovided below.

A methodology for promoting formation of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heteromericcomplexes, as opposed to the ActRIIB-Fc or ALK4-Fc homodimericcomplexes, is to introduce alterations in the amino acid sequence of theFc domains to guide the formation of asymmetric heteromeric complexes.Many different approaches to making asymmetric interaction pairs usingFc domains are described in this disclosure.

In one approach, illustrated in the ActRIIB-Fc and ALK4-Fc polypeptidesequences of SEQ ID NOs: 100-102 and 104-106, respectively, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide andALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide each employ the tissue plasminogen activator(TPA) leader:

(SEQ ID NO: 98) MDAMKRGLCCVLLLCGAVFVSP.

The ActRIIB-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 100) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 100) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGRGEA ETRECIYYNANWELERTNQS 51 GLERCEGEQD KRLHCYASWR NSSGTIELVK KGCWLDDFNC YDRQECVATE 101ENPQVYFCCC EGNFCNERFT HLPEAGGPEV TYEPPPTAPT GGGTHTCPPC 151 PAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 201 DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 251 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSRKEMTKNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV 301 EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLK SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMH 351 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The leader (signal) sequence and linker are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing acidic amino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the ActRIIB fusion protein as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100 may optionally beprovided with lysine (K) removed from the C-terminus.

This ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acidsequence (SEQ ID NO: 101):

(SEQ ID NO: 101) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCTCTGGGCG TGGGGAGGCT GAGACACGGG 101AGTGCATCTA CTACAACGCC AACTGGGAGC TGGAGCGCAC CAACCAGAGC 151 GGCCTGGAGCGCTGCGAAGG CGAGCAGGAC AAGCGGCTGC ACTGCTACGC 201 CTCCTGGCGC AACAGCTCTGGCACCATCGA GCTCGTGAAG AAGGGCTGCT 251 GGCTAGATGA CTTCAACTGC TACGATAGGCAGGAGTGTGT GGCCACTGAG 301 GAGAACCCCC AGGTGTACTT CTGCTGCTGT GAAGGCAACTTCTGCAACGA 351 GCGCTTCACT CATTTGCCAG AGGCTGGGGG CCCGGAAGTC ACGTACGAGC401 CACCCCCGAC AGCCCCCACC GGTGGTGGAA CTCACACATG CCCACCGTGC 451CCAGCACCTG AACTCCTGGG GGGACCGTCA GTCTTCCTCT TCCCCCCAAA 501 ACCCAAGGACACCCTCATGA TCTCCCGGAC CCCTGAGGTC ACATGCGTGG 551 TGGTGGACGT GAGCCACGAAGACCCTGAGG TCAAGTTCAA CTGGTACGTG 601 GACGGCGTGG AGGTGCATAA TGCCAAGACAAAGCCGCGGG AGGAGCAGTA 651 CAACAGCACG TACCGTGTGG TCAGCGTCCT CACCGTCCTGCACCAGGACT 701 GGCTGAATGG CAAGGAGTAC AAGTGCAAGG TCTCCAACAA AGCCCTCCCA751 GCCCCCATCG AGAAAACCAT CTCCAAAGCC AAAGGGCAGC CCCGAGAACC 801ACAGGTGTAC ACCCTGCCCC CATCCCGGAA GGAGATGACC AAGAACCAGG 851 TCAGCCTGACCTGCCTGGTC AAAGGCTTCT ATCCCAGCGA CATCGCCGTG 901 GAGTGGGAGA GCAATGGGCAGCCGGAGAAC AACTACAAGA CCACGCCTCC 951 CGTGCTGAAG TCCGACGGCT CCTTCTTCCTCTATAGCAAG CTCACCGTGG 1001 ACAAGAGCAG GTGGCAGCAG GGGAACGTCT TCTCATGCTCCGTGATGCAT 1051 GAGGCTCTGC ACAACCACTA CACGCAGAAG AGCCTCTCCC TGTCTCCGGG1101 TAAA

The mature ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 102) is as follows,and may optionally be provided with lysine removed from the C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 102) 1 GRGEAETREC IYYNANWELE RTNQSGLERC EGEQDKRLHCYASWRNSSGT 51 IELVKKGCWL DDFNCYDRQE CVATEENPQV YFCCCEGNFC NERFTHLPEA 101GGPEVTYEPP PTAPTGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP PKPKDTLMIS 151 RTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE QYNSTYRVVS 201 VLTVLHQDWL NGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR EPQVYTLPPS 251 RKEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYP SDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTT PPVLKSDGSF 301 FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLSPGK

The complementary form of ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 104) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 104) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGPRGV QALLCACTSCLQANYTCETD 51 GACMVSIFNL DGMEHHVRTC IPKVELVPAG KPFYCLSSED LRNTHCCYTD 101YCNRIDLRVP SGHLKEPEHP SMWGPVETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVYTL PPSREEMTKN QVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 DTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSDLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPG

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs: 100 and 102 above, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the ALK4-Fcfusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. The aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 104 may optionally be provided with lysineadded at the C-terminus.

This ALK4-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 105):

(SEQ ID NO: 105) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCTCCGGGCC CCGGGGGGTC CAGGCTCTGC 101TGTGTGCGTG CACCAGCTGC CTCCAGGCCA ACTACACGTG TGAGACAGAT 151 GGGGCCTGCATGGTTTCCAT TTTCAATCTG GATGGGATGG AGCACCATGT 201 GCGCACCTGC ATCCCCAAAGTGGAGCTGGT CCCTGCCGGG AAGCCCTTCT 251 ACTGCCTGAG CTCGGAGGAC CTGCGCAACACCCACTGCTG CTACACTGAC 301 TACTGCAACA GGATCGACTT GAGGGTGCCC AGTGGTCACCTCAAGGAGCC 351 TGAGCACCCG TCCATGTGGG GCCCGGTGGA GACCGGTGGT GGAACTCACA401 CATGCCCACC GTGCCCAGCA CCTGAACTCC TGGGGGGACC GTCAGTCTTC 451CTCTTCCCCC CAAAACCCAA GGACACCCTC ATGATCTCCC GGACCCCTGA 501 GGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGG ACGTGAGCCA CGAAGACCCT GAGGTCAAGT 551 TCAACTGGTA CGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGC ATAATGCCAA GACAAAGCCG 601 CGGGAGGAGC AGTACAACAG CACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCG TCCTCACCGT 651 CCTGCACCAG GACTGGCTGA ATGGCAAGGA GTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCA 701 ACAAAGCCCT CCCAGCCCCC ATCGAGAAAA CCATCTCCAA AGCCAAAGGG751 CAGCCCCGAG AACCACAGGT GTACACCCTG CCCCCATCCC GGGAGGAGAT 801GACCAAGAAC CAGGTCAGCC TGACCTGCCT GGTCAAAGGC TTCTATCCCA 851 GCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGG GAGAGCAATG GGCAGCCGGA GAACAACTAC 901 GACACCACGC CTCCCGTGCTGGACTCCGAC GGCTCCTTCT TCCTCTATAG 951 CGACCTCACC GTGGACAAGA GCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAAC GTCTTCTCAT 1001 GCTCCGTGAT GCATGAGGCT CTGCACAACC ACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTC 1051 TCCCTGTCTC CGGGT

The mature ALK4-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 106) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with lysine added at theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 106) 1 SGPRGVQALL CACTSCLQAN YTCETDGACM VSIFNLDGMEHHVRTCIPKV 51 ELVPAGKPFY CLSSEDLRNT HCCYTDYCNR IDLRVPSGHL KEPEHPSMWG 101PVETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 251 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYDTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSDLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK4-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 102 and SEQ ID NO:106, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

In another approach to promote the formation of heteromultimer complexesusing asymmetric Fc fusion proteins the Fc domains are altered tointroduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and an additionalintermolecular disulfide bond as illustrated in the ActRIIB-Fc andALK4-Fc polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 401-402 and 403-404,respectively. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK4-Fc fusionpolypeptide each employ the tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) leader:

(SEQ ID NO: 98) MDAMKRGLCCVLLLCGAVFVSP.

The ActRIIB-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 401) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 401) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGRGEA ETRECIYYNANWELERTNQS 51 GLERCEGEQD KRLHCYASWR NSSGTIELVK KGCWLDDFNC YDRQECVATE 101ENPQVYFCCC EGNFCNERFT HLPEAGGPEV TYEPPPTAPT GGGTHTCPPC 151 PAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 201 DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 251 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPCREEMTKNQVSLWCLV KGFYPSDIAV 301 EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMH 351 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The leader (signal) sequence and linker sequence are underlined. Topromote formation of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather thaneither of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with atrytophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusion protein asindicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO: 401 may optionally be provided with lysine removed from theC-terminus.

The mature ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 402) 1 GRGEAETREC IYYNANWELE RTNQSGLERC EGEQDKRLHCYASWRNSSGT 51 IELVKKGCWL DDFNCYDRQE CVATEENPQV YFCCCEGNFC NERFTHLPEA 101GGPEVTYEPP PTAPTGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP PKPKDTLMIS 151 RTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE QYNSTYRVVS 201 VLTVLHQDWL NGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR EPQVYTLPPC 251 REEMTKNQVS LWCLVKGFYP SDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTT PPVLDSDGSF 301 FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLSPGK

The complementary form of ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 403) isas follows and may optionally be provided with lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 403) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGPRGV QALLCACTSCLQANYTCETD 51 GACMVSIFNL DGMEHHVRTC IPKVELVPAG KPFYCLSSED LRNTHCCYTD 101YCNRIDLRVP SGHLKEPEHP SMWGPVETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVCTL PPSREEMTKN QVSLSCAVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLVSKLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPGK

The leader sequence and the linker are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 401 and402 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the ALK4 fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 403 may optionally beprovided with lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK4-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows and mayoptionally be provided with lysine removed from the C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 404) 1 SGPRGVQALL CACTSCLQAN YTCETDGACM VSIFNLDGMEHHVRTCIPKV 51 ELVPAGKPFY CLSSEDLRNT HCCYTDYCNR IDLRVPSGHL KEPEHPSMWG 101PVETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVCTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 251 SCAVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LVSKLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK4-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO:404, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 2. Ligand Binding Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc HeterodimerCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer and ALK4-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK4-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer, ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and ALK4-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand off-rate is a particularly significant parameter to evaluate forligand traps. Soluble receptor-Fc proteins administered in vivo are inconstant competition with native receptors for ligands. When endogenousligands of the TGFbeta superfamily typically bind to cognate receptorsat the cell surface, a multi-step signal transduction process istriggered that is relatively slow on a molecular time scale. Nativereceptors dissociate from ligand slowly in part because significant timeis required to generate an intracellular signal from a ligand bindingevent. For a soluble receptor-Fc protein to compete effectively forligand, the off-rate for its complex with the ligand needs to be similarto, or slower than, the off-rate for a ligand complex with nativereceptor. Ligand binding is a dynamic process and some fraction ofligands will always be in unbound form, so it is importanttherapeutically for a dose of receptor-Fc protein to capture targetligand for as long as possible. One way to shift the binding equilibriumin favor of more captured ligand is to increase the concentration (doselevel) of inhibitor, however this can generate off-target effects thatreduce tolerability and safety. A preferable approach is to use aninhibitor with a slower ligand off-rate (longer capture time) combinedwith ligand binding selectivity to achieve an effective level of ligandantagonism at a lower concentration of inhibitor.

Ligand binding profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer compared toActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK4-Fc homodimer ActRIIB-Fc ALK4-FcActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A 1.2 × 10⁷ 2.3 × 10 −4 19 5.8 ×10⁵ 1.2 × 10² 20000 1.3 × 10⁷ 1.5 × 10 −4 12 Activin B 5.1 × 10⁶ 1.0 ×10 −4 20 No binding 7.1 × 10⁶ 4.0 × 10 −5 6 BMP6 3.2 × 10⁷ 6.8 × 10⁻³190 — 2.0 × 10⁶ 5.5 × 10⁻³ 2700 BMP9 1.4 × 10⁷ 1.1 × 10⁻³ 77 —Transient* 3400 BMP10 2.3 × 10⁷ 2.6 × 10 −4 11 — 5.6 × 10⁷ 4.1 × 10⁻³ 74GDF3 1.4 × 10⁶ 2.2 × 10⁻³ 1500 — 3.4 × 10⁶ 1.7 × 10⁻² 4900 GDF8 8.3 ×10⁵ 2.3 × 10 −4 280 1.3 × 10⁵ 1.9 × 10⁻³ 15000† 3.9 × 10⁵ 2.1 × 10 −4550 GDF11 5.0 × 10⁷ 1.1 × 10 −4 2 5.0 × 10⁶ 4.8 × 10⁻³  270† 3.8 × 10⁷1.1 × 10 −4 3 *Indeterminate due to transient nature of interaction†Very low signal —Not tested

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer has an altered binding profile/selectivity relative toeither the ActRIIB-Fc or ALK4-Fc homodimers. The ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer displays enhanced binding to activin B compared with eitherhomodimer, retains strong binding to activin A, GDF8, and GDF11 asobserved with ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and exhibits substantially reducedbinding to BMP9, BMP10, and GDF3. In particular, BMP9 displays low or noobservable affinity for the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer, whereas thisligand binds strongly to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer. Like ActRIIB-Fchomodimer, the heterodimer retains intermediate-level binding to BMP6.See FIG. 6.

These results therefore demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer is a more selective antagonist of activin A, activin B,GDF8, and GDF11 compared to a ActRIIB-Fc homodimer. Accordingly, anActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer will be more useful than an ActRIIB-Fchomodimer in certain applications where such selective antagonism isadvantageous. Examples include therapeutic applications where it isdesirable to retain antagonism of one or more of activin A, activin B,activin AC, GDF8, and GDF11 but minimize antagonism of one or more ofBMP9, BMP10, and BMP6.

Example 3. Activity Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc Heterodimer in MiceCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer

Homodimeric and heterodimeric complexes were tested in mice toinvestigate differences in their activity profiles in vivo. Wild-typeC57BL/6 mice were dosed subcutaneously with an ActRIIB-Fc homodimer (10mg/kg), an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer (3 or 10 mg/kg), or vehicle(phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) twice per week for 4 weeks beginning atapproximately 10 weeks of age (n=9 mice per group). ALK4-Fc homodimerwas not tested in vivo due to its inability to bind ligands with highaffinity under cell-free conditions as determined by surface plasmonresonance. Study endpoints included: body weight; total lean mass andtotal adipose mass as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) atbaseline and study completion (4 weeks); total bone mineral density asdetermined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at baseline and 4weeks; and weights of the gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, and pectoralismuscles determined at 4 weeks.

Activity of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK4-Fc Complexes in Wild-Type MiceActRIIB-Fc ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc Endpoint homodimer heterodimer (4 wk)Vehicle 10 mg/kg 10 mg/kg 3 mg/kg Change in body weight ↑ 15%  ↑ 38% **↑ 41% ** ↑ 33% ** from baseline Change in total lean ↓ 1%  ↑ 5% **  ↑ 5%**  ↑ 5% ** mass from baseline Change in total ↑ 5% ↓ 36% ** ↓ 35% ** ↓35% ** adipose mass from baseline Change in total bone ↑ 8% ↑ 14% *  ↑12% *  ↑ 11%   mineral density from baseline Gastrocnemius weight † 2336 ** 35 ** 30 ** Femoris weight †   11.5 17 ** 16 ** 14 ** Pectoralisweight † 15 23 ** 28 ** 23 ** * P < 0.05 vs. vehicle ** P < 0.01 vs.vehicle † Combined left and right muscle weights normalized to femurlength (mg/mm) to control for body size

Study results are summarized in the table above. As expected, ActRIIB-Fchomodimer caused marked changes in body composition, many consistentwith known effects of GDF8 and activin inhibition. Treatment ofwild-type mice with ActRIIB-Fc homodimer more than doubled body weightgain over the course of the study compared to vehicle-treated controls.Accompanying this net weight gain were significant increases in totallean mass and total bone mineral density, as well as a significantreduction in total adipose mass, compared to vehicle. It should berecognized that normalized (percentage-based) changes in lean andadipose tissues differ in their correspondence to absolute changesbecause lean mass (typically about 70% of body weight in a mouse) ismuch larger than adipose mass (typically about 10% of body weight).Individual skeletal muscles examined, including the gastrocnemius,femoris, and pectoralis all increased significantly in weight comparedto vehicle controls over the course of treatment with ActRIIB-Fchomodimer.

The ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer produced certain effects strikinglysimilar to those of the ActRIIB-Fc homodimer despite differential ligandselectivity of the two complexes. As shown in the table above, treatmentof mice with the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer at a dose level of 10mg/kg matched, nearly matched, or exceeded the effects of ActRIIB-Fchomodimer at the same dose level for all endpoints listed. Effects ofthe ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer at 3 mg/kg were mildly attenuated forseveral endpoints compared to 10 mg/kg, thus providing evidence for adose-effect relationship.

Thus, an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer exerts beneficial anaboliceffects on skeletal muscle and bone, and catabolic effects on adiposetissue, very similar to those of ActRIIB-Fc homodimer. However, unlikeActRIIB homodimer, an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer exhibits onlylow-affinity or transient binding to BMP9 and BMP10 and so will notconcurrently inhibit processes mediated by those ligands, such asangiogenesis. This novel selectivity will be useful, for example, intreating patients in need of stimulatory effects on muscle and bone, andinhibitory effects on fat, but not in need of altered angiogenesis.

Example 4. Generation of an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIB and human ALK3,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIB-Fc and ALK3-Fc, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1.

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided above inExample 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 100-102.

The complementary ALK3-Fc fusion protein employs the TPA leader and isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 115) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAQNLDSM LHGTGMKSDSDQKKSENGVT 51 LAPEDTLPFL KCYCSGHCPD DAINNTCITN GHCFAIIEED DQGETTLASG 101CMKYEGSDFQ CKDSPKAQLR RTIECCRTNL CNQYLQPTLP PVVIGPFFDG 151 SIRTGGGTHTCPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 201 VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 251 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 301 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYDTTP PVLDSDGSFFLYSDLTVDKS 351 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusionprotein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 115 may optionally be provided with a lysine added at theC-terminus.

This ALK3-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 116).

(SEQ ID NO: 116) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCCAGAATCT GGATAGTATG CTTCATGGCA 101CTGGGATGAA ATCAGACTCC GACCAGAAAA AGTCAGAAAA TGGAGTAACC 151 TTAGCACCAGAGGATACCTT GCCTTTTTTA AAGTGCTATT GCTCAGGGCA 201 CTGTCCAGAT GATGCTATTAATAACACATG CATAACTAAT GGACATTGCT 251 TTGCCATCAT AGAAGAAGAT GACCAGGGAGAAACCACATT AGCTTCAGGG 301 TGTATGAAAT ATGAAGGATC TGATTTTCAG TGCAAAGATTCTCCAAAAGC 351 CCAGCTACGC CGGACAATAG AATGTTGTCG GACCAATTTA TGTAACCAGT401 ATTTGCAACC CACACTGCCC CCTGTTGTCA TAGGTCCGTT TTTTGATGGC 451AGCATTCGAA CCGGTGGTGG AACTCACACA TGCCCACCGT GCCCAGCACC 501 TGAACTCCTGGGGGGACCGT CAGTCTTCCT CTTCCCCCCA AAACCCAAGG 551 ACACCCTCAT GATCTCCCGGACCCCTGAGG TCACATGCGT GGTGGTGGAC 601 GTGAGCCACG AAGACCCTGA GGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACG TGGACGGCGT 651 GGAGGTGCAT AATGCCAAGA CAAAGCCGCG GGAGGAGCAGTACAACAGCA 701 CGTACCGTGT GGTCAGCGTC CTCACCGTCC TGCACCAGGA CTGGCTGAAT751 GGCAAGGAGT ACAAGTGCAA GGTCTCCAAC AAAGCCCTCC CAGCCCCCAT 801CGAGAAAACC ATCTCCAAAG CCAAAGGGCA GCCCCGAGAA CCACAGGTGT 851 ACACCCTGCCCCCATCCCGG GAGGAGATGA CCAAGAACCA GGTCAGCCTG 901 ACCTGCCTGG TCAAAGGCTTCTATCCCAGC GACATCGCCG TGGAGTGGGA 951 GAGCAATGGG CAGCCGGAGA ACAACTACGACACCACGCCT CCCGTGCTGG 1001 ACTCCGACGG CTCCTTCTTC CTCTATAGCG ACCTCACCGTGGACAAGAGC 1051 AGGTGGCAGC AGGGGAACGT CTTCTCATGC TCCGTGATGC ATGAGGCTCT1101 GCACAACCAC TACACGCAGA AGAGCCTCTC CCTGTCTCCG GGT

The mature ALK3-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:117) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added at theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 117) 1 GAQNLDSMLH GTGMKSDSDQ KKSENGVTLA PEDTLPFLKCYCSGHCPDDA 51 INNTCITNGH CFAIIEEDDQ GETTLASGCM KYEGSDFQCK DSPKAQLRRT 101IECCRTNLCN QYLQPTLPPV VIGPFFDGSI RTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG 151 PSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNW YVDGVEVHNA 201 KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS 251 KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSREE MTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP 301 ENNYDTTPPV LDSDGSFFLY SDLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYT 351 QKSLSLSPG

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK3-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 102 and SEQ IDNO: 117, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, illustrated in theActRIIB-Fc and ALK3-Fc polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 401-402 and407-408, respectively, the Fc domains are altered to introducecomplementary hydrophobic interactions and an additional intermoleculardisulfide bond. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide sequences arediscussed in Example 1.

The complementary form of ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 407) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 407) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAQNLDSM LHGTGMKSDSDQKKSENGVT 51 LAPEDTLPFL KCYCSGHCPD DAINNTCITN GHCFAIIEED DQGETTLASG 101CMKYEGSDFQ CKDSPKAQLR RTIECCRTNL CNQYLQPTLP PVVIGPFFDG 151 SIRTGGGTHTCPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 201 VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 251 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPREPQVCTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 301 SCAVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFFLVSKLTVDKS 351 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The leader sequence and linker are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs 401 and402 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the ALK3 fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 407 may optionally beprovided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK3-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 408) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine (K) removed fromthe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 408) 1 GAQNLDSMLH GTGMKSDSDQ KKSENGVTLA PEDTLPFLKCYCSGHCPDDA 51 INNTCITNGH CFAIIEEDDQ GETTLASGCM KYEGSDFQCK DSPKAQLRRT 101IECCRTNLCN QYLQPTLPPV VIGPFFDGSI RTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG 151 PSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNW YVDGVEVHNA 201 KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS 251 KAKGQPREPQ VCTLPPSREE MTKNQVSLSCAVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP 301 ENNYKTTPPV LDSDGSFFLV SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYT 351 QKSLSLSPGK

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK3-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO:408, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 5. Ligand Binding Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc HeterodimerCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer and ALK3-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK3-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer, ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and ALK3-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer compared toActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK3-Fc homodimer ActRIIB-Fc ALK3-FcActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A 1.3 × 10⁷ 1.4 × 10 −4 11 Nobinding 3.4 × 10⁷ 5.0 × 10⁻³ 150 Activin B 5.1 × 10⁶ 1.0 × 10 −4 20 Nobinding 2.8 × 10⁶ 5.7 × 10 −4 200 BMP2 Transient* >66000 6.8 × 10⁵ 8.9 ×10 −5 130 8.0 × 10⁶ 1.1 × 10 −5 1 BMP4 — 3.0 × 10⁵ 5.3 × 10 −5 180 2.6 ×10⁶ 6.5 × 10 −6 3 BMP5 2.6 × 10⁷ 7.5 × 10⁻² 2900 2.9 × 10⁴ 2.0 × 10⁻³70000 9.0 × 10⁵ 5.8 × 10 −4 640 BMP6 3.5 × 10⁷ 6.8 × 10⁻³ 190 1.4 × 10⁵4.9 × 10⁻³ 35000 2.0 × 10⁷ 2.9 × 10 −4 15 BMP7 8.8 × 10⁶ 1.4 × 10⁻² 16001.2 × 10⁶ 1.8 × 10⁻² 15000 8.2 × 10⁵ 1.5 × 10⁻³ 1900 BMP9 3.9 × 10⁷ 1.3× 10⁻³ 34 No binding Transient* >33000 BMP10 5.9 × 10⁷ 2.0 × 10 −4 4 Nobinding 3.0 × 10⁷ 9.4 × 10 −4 31 GDF3 1.6 × 10⁶ 2.3 × 10⁻³ 1400 Nobinding 1.4 × 10⁷ 8.2 × 10⁻² 5900 GDF5 Transient* >9600 4.8 × 10⁵ 1.1 ×10⁻² 22000 1.2 × 10⁷ 8.3 × 10 −4 70 GDF6 — 3.4 × 10⁴ 1.3 × 10⁻³ 400002.8 × 10⁵ 4.5 × 10 −2 1600 GDF7 Transient* >12000 2.2 × 10⁵ 2.7 × 10⁻²12000 7.5 × 10⁶ 4.0 × 10 −4 52 GDF8 8.3 × 10⁵ 2.3 × 10 −4 280 No binding3.0 × 10⁶ 9.2 × 10 −4 310 GDF11 5.0 × 10⁷ 1.1 × 10 −4 2 No binding 1.6 ×10⁷ 1.1 × 10⁻³ 66 *Indeterminate due to transient nature of interaction—Not tested

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fcheterodimer has an altered binding profile/selectivity relative toeither the ActRIIB-Fc homodimer or ALK3-Fc homodimer. TheActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer binds BMP2 and BMP4 with exceptionallyhigh affinity and displays greatly enhanced binding to BMP5, BMP6, BMP7,GDF5, GDF6, and GDF7 compared with either homodimer. Compared to ActRIIBhomodimer, the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer displays reduced bindingto activin A, activin B, BMP10, GDF8, and GDF11 and also discriminatesamong these ligands to a greater degree, particularly between activin Aand activin B. In addition, the ability of ActRIIB-Fc homodimer to bindBMP9 and GDF3 with high affinity is absent for ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fcheterodimer. See FIG. 7.

These results therefore demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fcheterodimer is a selective inhibitor of activin B, the GDF5/GDF6/GDF7ligand subfamily, and several key BMP ligands excluding most notablyBMP9. Accordingly, an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer will be more usefulthan either an ActRIIB-Fc homodimer or an ALK3-Fc homodimer in certainapplications where such selective antagonism is advantageous. Examplesinclude therapeutic applications where it is desirable to retainantagonism of BMP2, BMP4, BMP5, and BMP6 or activin B but minimizeantagonism of one or more ligands with anabolic muscle effects (e.g.,activin A and GDF8) or ligands with angiogenic effects (e.g., BMP9 andBMP10).

Example 6. Activity Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc Heterodimer in MiceCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer and ALK3-Fc Homodimer

Homodimeric and heterodimeric complexes were tested in mice toinvestigate differences in their activity profiles in vivo. Wild-typeC57BL/6 mice were dosed intraperitoneally with ActRIIB-Fc homodimer (10mg/kg), ALK3-Fc homodimer (10 mg/kg), ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer (3or 10 mg/kg), or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline, PBS) twice per weekfor 6.5 weeks (46 days) beginning at 10 weeks of age (n=5 mice pergroup). Study endpoints included body weight, total adipose mass asdetermined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at baseline and studycompletion (6.5 weeks), and total bone mineral density as determined bydual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) at baseline and 6.5 weeks.

Activity of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK3-Fc Complexes in Wild-Type Mice Comparedto Vehicle ActRIIB-Fc ALK3-Fc ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc Endpoint homodimerhomodimer heterodimer 6.5 wk 10 mg/kg 10 mg/kg 10 mg/kg 3 mg/kg Bodyweight ↑ 23% * ↓ 3% ↓ 0.5%  ↓ 1%  Total adipose mass ↓ 41% * ↓ 12%  ↓14% * ↓ 18% * Total bone mineral  ↑ 8% *  ↑ 6% *  ↑ 9% * ↑ 10% *density * P < 0.05 vs. vehicle

Study results are summarized in the table above. As expected, theActRIIB-Fc homodimer significantly increased body weight and total bonemineral density, and significantly reduced total adipose mass, allcompared to vehicle. Also as expected, the ALK3-Fc homodimersignificantly increased total bone mineral density compared to vehiclebut unlike the ActRIIB-Fc homodimer did not significantly alter eitherbody weight or total adipose mass. The ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimernotably displayed an activity profile different from either theActRIIB-Fc homodimer or the ALK3-Fc homodimer. Treatment of mice withthe ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer at either dose level significantlyincreased bone mineral density at least as well either homodimer.However, unlike ALK3-Fc homodimer, the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimersignificantly reduced adipose mass, and unlike ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, theActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer signficantly reduced adipose mass withoutaltering body weight. Thus, an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer exertsbeneficial effects on bone together with potentially beneficial effectson adipose tissue. This novel selectivity will be useful, for example,in treating patients in need of stimulatory effects on bone andinhibitory effects on fat but not in need of altered body weight.

Example 7. Generation of an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIB and human ALK7,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIB-Fc and ALK7-Fc, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK7-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1.

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided above inExample 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 100-102.

The complementary ALK7-Fc fusion protein employs the TPA leader and isas follows (SEQ ID NO: 112):

(SEQ ID NO: 112) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTCQTEGACWASV 51 MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP 101TASPNAPKLG PMETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR 251 EEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYDTTP PVLDSDGSFF 301 LYSDLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The signal sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the fusion protein as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 112 may optionally be provided with alysine added at the C-terminus.

This ALK7-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 113):

(SEQ ID NO: 113) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCGGACTGAA GTGTGTATGT CTTTTGTGTG 101ATTCTTCAAA CTTTACCTGC CAAACAGAAG GAGCATGTTG GGCATCAGTC 151 ATGCTAACCAATGGAAAAGA GCAGGTGATC AAATCCTGTG TCTCCCTTCC 201 AGAACTGAAT GCTCAAGTCTTCTGTCATAG TTCCAACAAT GTTACCAAAA 251 CCGAATGCTG CTTCACAGAT TTTTGCAACAACATAACACT GCACCTTCCA 301 ACAGCATCAC CAAATGCCCC AAAACTTGGA CCCATGGAGACCGGTGGTGG 351 AACTCACACA TGCCCACCGT GCCCAGCACC TGAACTCCTG GGGGGACCGT401 CAGTCTTCCT CTTCCCCCCA AAACCCAAGG ACACCCTCAT GATCTCCCGG 451ACCCCTGAGG TCACATGCGT GGTGGTGGAC GTGAGCCACG AAGACCCTGA 501 GGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACG TGGACGGCGT GGAGGTGCAT AATGCCAAGA 551 CAAAGCCGCG GGAGGAGCAGTACAACAGCA CGTACCGTGT GGTCAGCGTC 601 CTCACCGTCC TGCACCAGGA CTGGCTGAATGGCAAGGAGT ACAAGTGCAA 651 GGTCTCCAAC AAAGCCCTCC CAGCCCCCAT CGAGAAAACCATCTCCAAAG 701 CCAAAGGGCA GCCCCGAGAA CCACAGGTGT ACACCCTGCC CCCATCCCGG751 GAGGAGATGA CCAAGAACCA GGTCAGCCTG ACCTGCCTGG TCAAAGGCTT 801CTATCCCAGC GACATCGCCG TGGAGTGGGA GAGCAATGGG CAGCCGGAGA 851 ACAACTACGACACCACGCCT CCCGTGCTGG ACTCCGACGG CTCCTTCTTC 901 CTCTATAGCG ACCTCACCGTGGACAAGAGC AGGTGGCAGC AGGGGAACGT 951 CTTCTCATGC TCCGTGATGC ATGAGGCTCTGCACAACCAC TACACGCAGA 1001 AGAGCCTCTC CCTGTCTCCG GGT

The mature ALK7-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 114) is expectedto be as follows and may optionally be provided with a lysine added atthe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 114) 1 GLKCVCLLCD SSNFTCQTEG ACWASVMLTN GKEQVIKSCVSLPELNAQVF 51 CHSSNNVTKT ECCFTDFCNN ITLHLPTASP NAPKLGPMET GGGTHTCPPC 101PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 151 DGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 201 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMT KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV 251 EWESNGQPEN NYDTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSDLTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH 301 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPG

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK7-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 102 and SEQ IDNO: 114, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc.

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, illustrated in theActRIIB-Fc and ALK7-Fc polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 401-402 and405-406, respectively, the Fc domains are altered to introducecomplementary hydrophobic interactions and an additional intermoleculardisulfide bond. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide sequences arediscussed in Example 1.

The complementary form of ALK7-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 405) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 405) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTCQTEGACWASV 51 MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP 101TASPNAPKLG PMETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVCTLPPSR 251 EEMTKNQVSL SCAVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFF 301 LVSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs 401 and 402 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK7 fusion polypeptide as indicated by doubleunderline above. Furthermore, the C-terminal lysine residue of the Fcdomain can be deleted. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 405 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK7-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 406) is expectedto be as follows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 406) 1 GLKCVCLLCD SSNFTCQTEG ACWASVMLTN GKEQVIKSCVSLPELNAQVF 51 CHSSNNVTKT ECCFTDFCNN ITLHLPTASP NAPKLGPMET GGGTHTCPPC 101PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 151 DGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 201 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVCTLPPSREEMT KNQVSLSCAV KGFYPSDIAV 251 EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLVSKLTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH 301 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK7-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO:406, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 8. Ligand Binding Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc HeterodimerCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer and ALK7-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK7-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer, ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and ALK7-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer compared toActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK7-Fc homodimer ActRIIB-Fc ALK7-FcActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A 1.3 × 10⁷ 1.4 × 10 −4 11 Nobinding 4.4 × 10⁷ 1.9 × 10⁻³ 43 Activin B 1.5 × 10⁷ 1.6 × 10 −4 8 Nobinding 1.2 × 10⁷ 2.0 × 10 −4 17 BMP5 2.6 × 10⁷ 7.5 × 10⁻² 2900 Nobinding 1.5 × 10⁵ 8.5 × 10⁻³ 57000 BMP6 2.4 × 10⁷ 3.9 × 10⁻³ 160 Nobinding 1.2 × 10⁶ 6.3 × 10⁻³ 5300 BMP9 1.2 × 10⁸ 1.2 × 10⁻³ 10 Nobinding Transient* >1400 BMP10 5.9 × 10⁶ 1.5 × 10 −4 25 No binding 1.5 ×10⁷ 2.8 × 10⁻³ 190 GDF3 1.4 × 10⁶ 2.2 × 10⁻³ 1500 No binding 2.3 × 10⁶1.0 × 10⁻² 4500 GDF8 3.5 × 10⁶ 2.4 × 10 −4 69 No binding 3.7 × 10⁶ 1.0 ×10⁻³ 270 GDF11 9.6 × 10⁷ 1.5 × 10 −4 2 No binding 9.5 × 10⁷ 7.5 × 10 −48 *Indeterminate due to transient nature of interaction

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fcheterodimer has a different binding profile compared to either theActRIIB-Fc homodimer or ALK7-Fc homodimer. Interestingly, four of thefive ligands with strong binding to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer (activin A,BMP10, GDF8, and GDF11) exhibit reduced binding to theActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer, the exception being activin B whichretains tight binding to the heterodimer. In addition, three ligandswith intermediate binding to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer (GDF3, BMP6, andparticularly BMP9) exhibit reduced binding to the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fcheterodimer. In contrast, BMP5 binds the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7 heterodimerwith intermediate strength despite only weak binding to ActRIIB-Fchomodimer. No ligands tested bind to ALK7-Fc homodimer. See FIG. 8.

These results therefore demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fcheterodimer is a more selective antagonist of activin B in comparison toa ActRIIB-Fc homodimer. Accordingly, an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimerwill be more useful than an ActRIIB-Fc homodimer in certain applicationswhere such selective antagonism is advantageous. Examples includetherapeutic applications where it is desirable to retain antagonism ofactivin B but minimize antagonism of one or more of activin A, GDF3,GDF8, GDF11, BMP9, or BMP10.

Example 9. Generation of an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIB and human ALK2,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIB-Fc and ALK2-Fc, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1.

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example1 as SEQ ID NOs: 100-102.

The complementary ALK2-Fc fusion protein employs the TPA leader and isas follows (SEQ ID NO: 136):

(SEQ ID NO: 136) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAMEDEKP KVNPKLYMCVCEGLSCGNED 51 HCEGQQCFSS LSINDGFHVY QKGCFQVYEQ GKMTCKTPPS PGQAVECCQG 101DWCNRNITAQ LPTKGKSFPG TQNFHLETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVYTL PPSREEMTKN QVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 DTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSDLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPG

The signal sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the fusion protein as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 136 may optionally be provided with alysine added at the C-terminus.

This ALK2-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 137):

(SEQ ID NO: 137) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCATGGAAGA TGAGAAGCCC AAGGTCAACC 101CCAAACTCTA CATGTGTGTG TGTGAAGGTC TCTCCTGCGG TAATGAGGAC 151 CACTGTGAAGGCCAGCAGTG CTTTTCCTCA CTGAGCATCA ACGATGGCTT 201 CCACGTCTAC CAGAAAGGCTGCTTCCAGGT TTATGAGCAG GGAAAGATGA 251 CCTGTAAGAC CCCGCCGTCC CCTGGCCAAGCTGTGGAGTG CTGCCAAGGG 301 GACTGGTGTA ACAGGAACAT CACGGCCCAG CTGCCCACTAAAGGAAAATC 351 CTTCCCTGGA ACACAGAATT TCCACTTGGA GACCGGTGGT GGAACTCACA401 CATGCCCACC GTGCCCAGCA CCTGAACTCC TGGGGGGACC GTCAGTCTTC 451CTCTTCCCCC CAAAACCCAA GGACACCCTC ATGATCTCCC GGACCCCTGA 501 GGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGG ACGTGAGCCA CGAAGACCCT GAGGTCAAGT 551 TCAACTGGTA CGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGC ATAATGCCAA GACAAAGCCG 601 CGGGAGGAGC AGTACAACAG CACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCG TCCTCACCGT 651 CCTGCACCAG GACTGGCTGA ATGGCAAGGA GTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCA 701 ACAAAGCCCT CCCAGCCCCC ATCGAGAAAA CCATCTCCAA AGCCAAAGGG751 CAGCCCCGAG AACCACAGGT GTACACCCTG CCCCCATCCC GGGAGGAGAT 801GACCAAGAAC CAGGTCAGCC TGACCTGCCT GGTCAAAGGC TTCTATCCCA 851 GCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGG GAGAGCAATG GGCAGCCGGA GAACAACTAC 901 GACACCACGC CTCCCGTGCTGGACTCCGAC GGCTCCTTCT TCCTCTATAG 951 CGACCTCACC GTGGACAAGA GCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAAC GTCTTCTCAT 1001 GCTCCGTGAT GCATGAGGCT CTGCACAACC ACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTC 1051 TCCCTGTCTC CGGGT

The mature ALK2-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 138) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine added at theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 138) 1 MEDEKPKVNP KLYMCVCEGL SCGNEDHCEG QQCFSSLSINDGFHVYQKGC 51 FQVYEQGKMT CKTPPSPGQA VECCQGDWCN RNITAQLPTK GKSFPGTQNF 101HLETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 251 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYDTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSDLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK2-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 102 and SEQ IDNO: 138, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, illustrated in theActRIIB-Fc and ALK2-Fc polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 401-402 and421-422, respectively, the Fc domains are altered to introducecomplementary hydrophobic interactions and an additional intermoleculardisulfide bond. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide sequences arediscussed in Example 1.

The complementary form of ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 421) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 421) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAMEDEKP KVNPKLYMCVCEGLSCGNED 51 HCEGQQCFSS LSINDGFHVY QKGCFQVYEQ GKMTCKTPPS PGQAVECCQG 101DWCNRNITAQ LPTKGKSFPG TQNFHLETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVCTL PPSREEMTKN QVSLSCAVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLVSKLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs 401 and 402 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK2 fusion polypeptide as indicated by doubleunderline above. Furthermore, the C-terminal lysine residue of the Fcdomain can be deleted. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 421 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK2-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 422) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 422) 1 MEDEKPKVNP KLYMCVCEGL SCGNEDHCEG QQCFSSLSINDGFHVYQKGC 51 FQVYEQGKMT CKTPPSPGQA VECCQGDWCN RNITAQLPTK GKSFPGTQNF 101HLETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVCTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL 251 SCAVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LVSKLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK2-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO:422, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 10. Ligand Binding Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc HeterodimerCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer and ALK2-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK2-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer, ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and ALK2-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer compared toActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK2-Fc homodimer ActRIIB-Fc ALK2-FcActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc Homodimer Homodimer Heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A 1.2 × 10⁷ 1.7 × 10 −4 15 Nobinding 3.4 × 10⁷ 2.6 × 10⁻³ 76 Activin B 3.8 × 10⁶ 1.1 × 10 −4 28 Nobinding 3.2 × 10⁶ 1.5 × 10 −4 47 BMP5 3.8 × 10⁶ 3.7 × 10⁻² 9700 Nobinding 1.2 × 10⁶ 1.4 × 10⁻³ 1200 BMP7 8.8 × 10⁶ 1.4 × 10⁻² 1600 Nobinding 1.5 × 10⁷ 2.6 × 10⁻³ 170 BMP9 3.9 × 10⁷ 1.3 × 10⁻³ 34 No binding3.2 × 10⁶ 8.9 × 10 −4 280 BMP10 5.4 × 10⁷ 2.8 × 10 −4 5 No binding 5.5 ×10⁷ 2.9 × 10⁻³ 53 GDF3 1.2 × 10⁶ 2.0 × 10⁻³ 1700 No binding 1.8 × 10⁶1.2 × 10⁻² 6500 GDF5 1.2 × 10⁶ 1.4 × 10⁻³ 1100 No binding 8.8 × 10⁵ 4.4× 10⁻³ 5000 GDF6 1.5 × 10⁵ 5.7 × 10⁻³ 39000 No bindingTransient* >240000 GDF8 2.5 × 10⁶ 3.2 × 10 ⁻ 4 130 No binding 2.1 × 10⁶7.3 × 10 −4 360 GDF11 2.0 × 10⁶ 2.2 × 10 −4 110 No binding 1.6 × 10⁶ 9.3× 10 −4 600 *Indeterminate due to transient nature of interaction

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fcheterodimer exhibits a ligand binding profile different from either theActRIIB-Fc homodimer or the ALK2-Fc homodimer. ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fcheterodimer exhibits preferential and strong binding to activin B, thusresembling ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer (see Example 8). However,ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer differs from ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc in partby retaining the tight binding to BMP9 characteristic of ActRIIB-Fchomodimer, whereas ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc binds BMP9 very weakly, if at all.No ligands tested bind to ALK2-Fc homodimer. See FIG. 9.

These results demonstrate that the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer is amore selective antagonist of activin B compared to ActRIIB-Fc homodimer.Accordingly, an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer will be useful in certainapplications where such selective antagonism is advantageous. Examplesinclude therapeutic applications where it is desirable to retainantagonism primarily of activin B and to supplement that with antagonismsecondarily of BMP9, GDF8, and GDF11.

Example 11. Generation of an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIB and human ALK5,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIB-Fc and ALK5-Fc, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIB-Fc: ALK5-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1.

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example1 as SEQ ID NOs: 100-102.

The complementary ALK5-Fc fusion protein employs the TPA leader and isas follows (SEQ ID NO: 139):

(SEQ ID NO: 139) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAALLPGA TALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVTD 51 GLCFVSVTET TDKVIHNSMC IAEIDLIPRD RPFVCAPSSK TGSVTTTYCC 101NQDHCNKIEL PTTVKSSPGL GPVETGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP 151 PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV DVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE 201 QYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVS NKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR 251 EPQVYTLPPS REEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESN GQPENNYDTT 301 PPVLDSDGSF FLYSDLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS 351 PG

The signal sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the fusion protein as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139 may optionally be provided with alysine added at the C-terminus.

This ALK5-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 140):

(SEQ ID NO: 140) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCGCGCTGCT CCCGGGGGCG ACGGCGTTAC 101AGTGTTTCTG CCACCTCTGT ACAAAAGACA ATTTTACTTG TGTGACAGAT 151 GGGCTCTGCTTTGTCTCTGT CACAGAGACC ACAGACAAAG TTATACACAA 201 CAGCATGTGT ATAGCTGAAATTGACTTAAT TCCTCGAGAT AGGCCGTTTG 251 TATGTGCACC CTCTTCAAAA ACTGGGTCTGTGACTACAAC ATATTGCTGC 301 AATCAGGACC ATTGCAATAA AATAGAACTT CCAACTACTGTAAAGTCATC 351 ACCTGGCCTT GGTCCTGTGG AAACCGGTGG TGGAACTCAC ACATGCCCAC401 CGTGCCCAGC ACCTGAACTC CTGGGGGGAC CGTCAGTCTT CCTCTTCCCC 451CCAAAACCCA AGGACACCCT CATGATCTCC CGGACCCCTG AGGTCACATG 501 CGTGGTGGTGGACGTGAGCC ACGAAGACCC TGAGGTCAAG TTCAACTGGT 551 ACGTGGACGG CGTGGAGGTGCATAATGCCA AGACAAAGCC GCGGGAGGAG 601 CAGTACAACA GCACGTACCG TGTGGTCAGCGTCCTCACCG TCCTGCACCA 651 GGACTGGCTG AATGGCAAGG AGTACAAGTG CAAGGTCTCCAACAAAGCCC 701 TCCCAGCCCC CATCGAGAAA ACCATCTCCA AAGCCAAAGG GCAGCCCCGA751 GAACCACAGG TGTACACCCT GCCCCCATCC CGGGAGGAGA TGACCAAGAA 801CCAGGTCAGC CTGACCTGCC TGGTCAAAGG CTTCTATCCC AGCGACATCG 851 CCGTGGAGTGGGAGAGCAAT GGGCAGCCGG AGAACAACTA CGACACCACG 901 CCTCCCGTGC TGGACTCCGACGGCTCCTTC TTCCTCTATA GCGACCTCAC 951 CGTGGACAAG AGCAGGTGGC AGCAGGGGAACGTCTTCTCA TGCTCCGTGA 1001 TGCATGAGGC TCTGCACAAC CACTACACGC AGAAGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCT 1051 CCGGGT

The mature ALK5-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 141) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine added at theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 141) 1 ALLPGATALQ CFCHLCTKDN FTCVTDGLCF VSVTETTDKVIHNSMCIAEI 51 DLIPRDRPFV CAPSSKTGSV TTTYCCNQDH CNKIELPTTV KSSPGLGPVE 101TGGGTHTCPP CPAPELLGGP SVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH 151 EDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNS TYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE 201 YKCKVSNKAL PAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPSREEM TKNQVSLTCL 251 VKGFYPSDIA VEWESNGQPE NNYDTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYS DLTVDKSRWQ 301 QGNVFSCSVM HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPG

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 102 and SEQ IDNO: 141, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, illustrated in theActRIIB-Fc and ALK5-Fc polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 401-402 and423-424, respectively, the Fc domains are altered to introducecomplementary hydrophobic interactions and an additional intermoleculardisulfide bond. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide sequences arediscussed in Example 1.

The complementary form of ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 423) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 423) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAALLPGA TALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVTD 51 GLCFVSVTET TDKVIHNSMC IAEIDLIPRD RPFVCAPSSK TGSVTTTYCC 101NQDHCNKIEL PTTVKSSPGL GPVETGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP 151 PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV DVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE 201 QYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVS NKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR 251 EPQVCTLPPS REEMTKNQVS LSCAVKGFYPSDIAVEWESN GQPENNYKTT 301 PPVLDSDGSF FLVSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS 351 PGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs 401 and 402 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK5 fusion polypeptide as indicated by doubleunderline above. Furthermore, the C-terminal lysine residue of the Fcdomain can be deleted. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 423 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK5-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 424) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 424) 1 ALLPGATALQ CFCHLCTKDN FTCVTDGLCF VSVTETTDKVIHNSMCIAEI 51 DLIPRDRPFV CAPSSKTGSV TTTYCCNQDH CNKIELPTTV KSSPGLGPVE 101TGGGTHTCPP CPAPELLGGP SVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH 151 EDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNS TYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE 201 YKCKVSNKAL PAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV CTLPPSREEM TKNQVSLSCA 251 VKGFYPSDIA VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLVS KLTVDKSRWQ 301 QGNVFSCSVM HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK5-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO:424, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 12. Ligand Binding Profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc HeterodimerCompared to ActRIIB-Fc Homodimer and ALK5-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of ActRIIB-Fc and ALK5-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer, ActRIIB-Fc homodimer, and ALK5-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer compared toActRIIB-Fc homodimer and ALK5-Fc homodimer ActRIIB-Fc ALK5-FcActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-Fc Homodimer Homodimer Heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A 1.2 × 10⁷ 2.3 × 10 −4 19 Nobinding 3.6 × 10⁷ 1.6 × 10⁻³ 46 Activin B 5.1 × 10⁶ 1.0 × 10 −4 20 Nobinding 3.9 × 10⁶ 3.1 × 10 −4 79 BMP6 6.4 × 10⁶ 7.0 × 10⁻³ 1100 Nobinding 9.3 × 10⁶ 1.5 × 10⁻² 1700 BMP9 3.9 × 10⁷ 1.3 × 10⁻³ 34 Nobinding Transient* >6600 BMP10 2.1 × 10⁷ 3.8 × 10 −4 18 No binding 2.3 ×10⁷ 2.2 × 10⁻³ 150 GDF3 4.7 × 10⁵ 1.8 × 10⁻³ 3900 No binding 1.1 × 10⁵9.7 × 10⁻³ 8500 GDF8 1.2 × 10⁶ 1.9 × 10 −4 160 No binding 1.1 × 10⁶ 5.2× 10 −4 490 GDF11 1.9 × 10⁶ 1.4 × 10 −4 74 No binding 2.3 × 10⁶ 4.6 × 10−4 600 *Indeterminate due to transient nature of interaction

Example 13. Generation of an ActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIB and human ALK6,which can each be fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIB-Fc and ALK6-Fc, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIB-Fc: ALK6-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1.

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided above inExample 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 100-102.

The complementary ALK6-Fc fusion protein employs the TPA leader and isas follows (SEQ ID NO: 142):

(SEQ ID NO: 142) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAKKEDGE STAPTPRPKVLRCKCHHHCP 51 EDSVNNICST DGYCFTMIEE DDSGLPVVTS GCLGLEGSDF QCRDTPIPHQ 101RRSIECCTER NECNKDLHPT LPPLKNRDFV DGPIHHRTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTL PPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY DTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSDLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPG

The signal sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the fusion protein as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 142 may optionally be provided with alysine added at the C-terminus.

This ALK6-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 143):

(SEQ ID NO: 143) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCAAGAAAGA GGATGGTGAG AGTACAGCCC 101CCACCCCCCG TCCAAAGGTC TTGCGTTGTA AATGCCACCA CCATTGTCCA 151 GAAGACTCAGTCAACAATAT TTGCAGCACA GACGGATATT GTTTCACGAT 201 GATAGAAGAG GATGACTCTGGGTTGCCTGT GGTCACTTCT GGTTGCCTAG 251 GACTAGAAGG CTCAGATTTT CAGTGTCGGGACACTCCCAT TCCTCATCAA 301 AGAAGATCAA TTGAATGCTG CACAGAAAGG AACGAATGTAATAAAGACCT 351 ACACCCTACA CTGCCTCCAT TGAAAAACAG AGATTTTGTT GATGGACCTA401 TACACCACAG GACCGGTGGT GGAACTCACA CATGCCCACC GTGCCCAGCA 451CCTGAACTCC TGGGGGGACC GTCAGTCTTC CTCTTCCCCC CAAAACCCAA 501 GGACACCCTCATGATCTCCC GGACCCCTGA GGTCACATGC GTGGTGGTGG 551 ACGTGAGCCA CGAAGACCCTGAGGTCAAGT TCAACTGGTA CGTGGACGGC 601 GTGGAGGTGC ATAATGCCAA GACAAAGCCGCGGGAGGAGC AGTACAACAG 651 CACGTACCGT GTGGTCAGCG TCCTCACCGT CCTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGA 701 ATGGCAAGGA GTACAAGTGC AAGGTCTCCA ACAAAGCCCT CCCAGCCCCC751 ATCGAGAAAA CCATCTCCAA AGCCAAAGGG CAGCCCCGAG AACCACAGGT 801GTACACCCTG CCCCCATCCC GGGAGGAGAT GACCAAGAAC CAGGTCAGCC 851 TGACCTGCCTGGTCAAAGGC TTCTATCCCA GCGACATCGC CGTGGAGTGG 901 GAGAGCAATG GGCAGCCGGAGAACAACTAC GACACCACGC CTCCCGTGCT 951 GGACTCCGAC GGCTCCTTCT TCCTCTATAGCGACCTCACC GTGGACAAGA 1001 GCAGGTGGCA GCAGGGGAAC GTCTTCTCAT GCTCCGTGATGCATGAGGCT 1051 CTGCACAACC ACTACACGCA GAAGAGCCTC TCCCTGTCTC CGGGT

The mature ALK6-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 144) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine added at theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 144) 1 KKEDGESTAP TPRPKVLRCK CHHHCPEDSV NNICSTDGYCFTMIEEDDSG 51 LPVVTSGCLG LEGSDFQCRD TPIPHQRRSI ECCTERNECN KDLHPTLPPL 101KNRDFVDGPI HHRTGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR 251 EEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYDTTP PVLDSDGSFF 301 LYSDLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK6-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 102 and SEQ IDNO: 144, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc.

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, illustrated in theActRIIB-Fc and ALK6-Fc polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 401-402 and425-426, respectively, the Fc domains can be altered to introducecomplementary hydrophobic interactions and an additional intermoleculardisulfide bond. The ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide sequences arediscussed in Example 1.

The complementary form of ALK6-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 425) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 425) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAKKEDGE STAPTPRPKVLRCKCHHHCP 51 EDSVNNICST DGYCFTMIEE DDSGLPVVTS GCLGLEGSDF QCRDTPIPHQ 101RRSIECCTER NECNKDLHPT LPPLKNRDFV DGPIHHRTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVCTL PPSREEMTKNQVSLSCAVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLVSKLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs 401 and 402 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK6 fusion polypeptide as indicated by doubleunderline above. Furthermore, the C-terminal lysine residue of the Fcdomain can be deleted. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 425 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK6-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 426) can be asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 426) 1 KKEDGESTAP TPRPKVLRCK CHHHCPEDSV NNICSTDGYCFTMIEEDDSG 51 LPVVTSGCLG LEGSDFQCRD TPIPHQRRSI ECCTERNECN KDLHPTLPPL 101KNRDFVDGPI HHRTGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVCTLPPSR 251 EEMTKNQVSL SCAVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFF 301 LVSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The ActRIIB-Fc and ALK6-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 402 and SEQ ID NO:426, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 14. Generation of an ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIA and human ALK4,which are each separately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positionedbetween the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individualconstructs are referred to as ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK4-Fcfusion polypeptide, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face.

The ActRIIA-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 118) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 118) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAAILGRS ETQECLFFNANWEKDRTNQT 51 GVEPCYGDKD KRRHCFATWK NISGSIEIVK QGCWLDDINC YDRTDCVEKK 101DSPEVYFCCC EGNMCNEKFS YFPEMEVTQP TSNPVTPKPP TGGGTHTCPP 151 CPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH EDPEVKFNWY 201 VDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE YKCKVSNKAL 251 PAPIEKTISK AKGQPREPQV YTLPPSRKEMTKNQVSLTCL VKGFYPSDIA 301 VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVL KSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVM 351 HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing acidic amino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the ActRIIA fusion protein as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 118 may optionally beprovided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

This ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acidsequence (SEQ ID NO: 119):

(SEQ ID NO: 119) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCGCTATACT TGGTAGATCA GAAACTCAGG 101AGTGTCTTTT CTTTAATGCT AATTGGGAAA AAGACAGAAC CAATCAAACT 151 GGTGTTGAACCGTGTTATGG TGACAAAGAT AAACGGCGGC ATTGTTTTGC 201 TACCTGGAAG AATATTTCTGGTTCCATTGA AATAGTGAAA CAAGGTTGTT 251 GGCTGGATGA TATCAACTGC TATGACAGGACTGATTGTGT AGAAAAAAAA 301 GACAGCCCTG AAGTATATTT CTGTTGCTGT GAGGGCAATATGTGTAATGA 351 AAAGTTTTCT TATTTTCCGG AGATGGAAGT CACACAGCCC ACTTCAAATC401 CAGTTACACC TAAGCCACCC ACCGGTGGTG GAACTCACAC ATGCCCACCG 451TGCCCAGCAC CTGAACTCCT GGGGGGACCG TCAGTCTTCC TCTTCCCCCC 501 AAAACCCAAGGACACCCTCA TGATCTCCCG GACCCCTGAG GTCACATGCG 551 TGGTGGTGGA CGTGAGCCACGAAGACCCTG AGGTCAAGTT CAACTGGTAC 601 GTGGACGGCG TGGAGGTGCA TAATGCCAAGACAAAGCCGC GGGAGGAGCA 651 GTACAACAGC ACGTACCGTG TGGTCAGCGT CCTCACCGTCCTGCACCAGG 701 ACTGGCTGAA TGGCAAGGAG TACAAGTGCA AGGTCTCCAA CAAAGCCCTC751 CCAGCCCCCA TCGAGAAAAC CATCTCCAAA GCCAAAGGGC AGCCCCGAGA 801ACCACAGGTG TACACCCTGC CCCCATCCCG GAAGGAGATG ACCAAGAACC 851 AGGTCAGCCTGACCTGCCTG GTCAAAGGCT TCTATCCCAG CGACATCGCC 901 GTGGAGTGGG AGAGCAATGGGCAGCCGGAG AACAACTACA AGACCACGCC 951 TCCCGTGCTG AAGTCCGACG GCTCCTTCTTCCTCTATAGC AAGCTCACCG 1001 TGGACAAGAG CAGGTGGCAG CAGGGGAACG TCTTCTCATGCTCCGTGATG 1051 CATGAGGCTC TGCACAACCA CTACACGCAG AAGAGCCTCT CCCTGTCTCC1101 GGGTAAA

The mature ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 120) is as followsand may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 120) 1 ILGRSETQEC LFFNANWEKD RTNQTGVEPC YGDKDKRRHCFATWKNISGS 51 IEIVKQGCWL DDINCYDRTD CVEKKDSPEV YFCCCEGNMC NEKFSYFPEM 101EVTQPTSNPV TPKPPTGGGT HTCPPCPAPE LLGGPSVFLF PPKPKDTLMI 151 SRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEV KFNWYVDGVE VHNAKTKPRE EQYNSTYRVV 201 SVLTVLHQDW LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIE KTISKAKGQP REPQVYTLPP 251 SRKEMTKNQV SLTCLVKGFY PSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKT TPPVLKSDGS 301 FFLYSKLTVD KSRWQQGNVF SCSVMHEALH NHYTQKSLSLSPGK

In this first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the complementaryALK4-Fc fusion protein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it areprovided above in Example 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 104-106.

The ActRIIA-Fc and ALK4-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 120 and SEQ ID NO:106, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond.

The ActRIIA-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 409) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 409) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAAILGRS ETQECLFFNANWEKDRTNQT 51 GVEPCYGDKD KRRHCFATWK NISGSIEIVK QGCWLDDINC YDRTDCVEKK 101DSPEVYFCCC EGNMCNEKFS YFPEMEVTQP TSNPVTPKPP TGGGTHTCPP 151 CPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH EDPEVKFNWY 201 VDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE YKCKVSNKAL 251 PAPIEKTISK AKGQPREPQV YTLPPCREEMTKNQVSLWCL VKGFYPSDIA 301 VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVL DSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVM 351 HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather than either ofthe possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions(replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with a trytophan)can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusion protein as indicatedby double underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 409 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 410) is as followsand may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 410) 1 ILGRSETQEC LFFNANWEKD RTNQTGVEPC YGDKDKRRHCFATWKNISGS 51 IEIVKQGCWL DDINCYDRTD CVEKKDSPEV YFCCCEGNMC NEKFSYFPEM 101EVTQPTSNPV TPKPPTGGGT HTCPPCPAPE LLGGPSVFLF PPKPKDTLMI 151 SRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEV KFNWYVDGVE VHNAKTKPRE EQYNSTYRVV 201 SVLTVLHQDW LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIE KTISKAKGQP REPQVYTLPP 251 CREEMTKNQV SLWCLVKGFY PSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKT TPPVLDSDGS 301 FFLYSKLTVD KSRWQQGNVF SCSVMHEALH NHYTQKSLSLSPGK

In this second approach, the polypeptide sequence of the complementaryALK4-Fc fusion protein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it areprovided above in Example 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 403-404.

The ActRIIA-Fc and ALK4-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 410 and SEQ ID NO:404, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 15. Ligand Binding Profile of ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc HeterodimerCompared to ActRIIA-Fc Homodimer and ALK4-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of ActRIIA-Fc and ALK4-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer, ActRIIA-Fc homodimer, and ALK4-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer compared toActRIIA-Fc homodimer and ALK4-Fc homodimer ActRIIA-Fc ALK4-FcActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A 1.4 × 10⁷ 6.2 × 10 −4 45 5.8 ×10⁵ 1.2 × 10⁻² 20000 7.4 × 10⁶ 2.4 × 10 −4 32 Activin B 1.1 × 10⁷ 1.1 ×10 −4 10 No binding 9.5 × 10⁶ 4.8 × 10 −4 50 Activin AB 2.8 × 10⁷ 2.6 ×10 −4 9 1.8 × 10⁶ 3.6 × 10⁻³ 2000 1.8 × 10⁷ 2.3 × 10 −4 13 Activin AC2.2 × 10⁷ 7.9 × 10⁻³ 360 No binding 3.2 × 10⁶ 5.4 × 10 −4 170 BMP6 2.7 ×10⁸ 2.2 × 10⁻² 800 No binding 5.4 × 10⁶ 1.2 × 10⁻² 2200 BMP7 8.9 × 10⁶3.3 × 10⁻² 3700 No binding 2.0 × 10⁷ 7.2 × 10⁻² 3500 BMP9Transient* >10000 — No binding BMP10 2.9 × 10⁷ 2.5 × 10⁻³ 85 No bindingTransient* >6000 GDF3 1.5 × 10⁶ 3.6 × 10⁻³ 2400 — 4.9 × 10⁷ 4.8 × 10⁻³9800 GDF8 1.4 × 10⁶ 1.4 × 10⁻³ 99 1.3 × 10⁵ 1.9 × 10⁻³ 15000† 1.8 × 10⁷2.8 × 10⁻³ 150 GDF11 7.3 × 10⁷ 9.2 × 10 −4 13 5.0 × 10⁶ 4.8 × 10⁻³ 970†3.0 × 10⁷ 6.5 × 10 −4 22 *Indeterminate due to transient nature ofinteraction †Very low signal —Not tested

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer has an altered binding profile/selectivity relative toeither the ActRIIA-Fc or ALK4-Fc homodimers. For example, theActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer exhibits enhanced binding to activin A,and particularly enhanced binding to activin AC, compared to ActRIIA-Fchomodimer, while retaining strong binding to activin AB and GDF11. Inaddition, the ligand with highest affinity for ActRIIA-Fc homodimer,activin B, displays reduced affinity (albeit still within thehigh-affinity range) for the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer. TheActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer also exhibits markedly reduced binding toBMP10 compared to ActRIIA-Fc homodimer. See FIG. 10.

These results demonstrate that the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer is amore selective antagonist of activin A and activin AB over activin Bthan is ActRIIA-Fc homodimer. In addition, the ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer has substantially increased affinity for activin AC andgreatly reduced affinity for BMP10 compared to ActRIIA-Fc homodimer.Accordingly, an ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer will be more useful thanActRIIA-Fc homodimer in certain applications where such selectiveantagonism is advantageous. Examples include therapeutic applicationswhere it is desirable to antagonize activin A and/or activin ABpreferentially over activin B, and to obtain strong inhibition ofactivin AC, while avoiding inhibition of BMP10.

Example 16. Generation of a BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human BMPRII and human ALK1,which are each separately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positionedbetween the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individualconstructs are referred to as BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK1-Fcfusion polypeptide, respectively, and the sequences for each areprovided below.

Formation of heteromeric BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face.

The BMPRII-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 121) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 121) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASQNQER LCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESRIS 51 HENGTILCSK GSTCYGLWEK SKGDINLVKQ GCWSHIGDPQ ECHYEECVVT 101TTPPSIQNGT YRFCCCSTDL CNVNFTENFP PPDTTPLSPP HSFNRDETGG 151 GTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVF LFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP 201 EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC 251 KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTLPPSRKEMTKN QVSLTCLVKG 301 FYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLKSD GSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGN 351 VFSCSVMHEA LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacingacidic amino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe BMPRII-Fc fusion protein as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

This BMPRII-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acidsequence (SEQ ID NO: 122):

(SEQ ID NO: 122) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCTCGCAGAA TCAAGAACGC CTATGTGCGT 101TTAAAGATCC GTATCAGCAA GACCTTGGGA TAGGTGAGAG TAGAATCTCT 151 CATGAAAATGGGACAATATT ATGCTCGAAA GGTAGCACCT GCTATGGCCT 201 TTGGGAGAAA TCAAAAGGGGACATAAATCT TGTAAAACAA GGATGTTGGT 251 CTCACATTGG AGATCCCCAA GAGTGTCACTATGAAGAATG TGTAGTAACT 301 ACCACTCCTC CCTCAATTCA GAATGGAACA TACCGTTTCTGCTGTTGTAG 351 CACAGATTTA TGTAATGTCA ACTTTACTGA GAATTTTCCA CCTCCTGACA401 CAACACCACT CAGTCCACCT CATTCATTTA ACCGAGATGA GACCGGTGGT 451GGAACTCACA CATGCCCACC GTGCCCAGCA CCTGAACTCC TGGGGGGACC 501 GTCAGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCC CAAAACCCAA GGACACCCTC ATGATCTCCC 551 GGACCCCTGA GGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGG ACGTGAGCCA CGAAGACCCT 601 GAGGTCAAGT TCAACTGGTA CGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGC ATAATGCCAA 651 GACAAAGCCG CGGGAGGAGC AGTACAACAG CACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCG 701 TCCTCACCGT CCTGCACCAG GACTGGCTGA ATGGCAAGGA GTACAAGTGC751 AAGGTCTCCA ACAAAGCCCT CCCAGCCCCC ATCGAGAAAA CCATCTCCAA 801AGCCAAAGGG CAGCCCCGAG AACCACAGGT GTACACCCTG CCCCCATCCC 851 GGAAGGAGATGACCAAGAAC CAGGTCAGCC TGACCTGCCT GGTCAAAGGC 901 TTCTATCCCA GCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGG GAGAGCAATG GGCAGCCGGA 951 GAACAACTAC AAGACCACGC CTCCCGTGCTGAAGTCCGAC GGCTCCTTCT 1001 TCCTCTATAG CAAGCTCACC GTGGACAAGA GCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAAC 1051 GTCTTCTCAT GCTCCGTGAT GCATGAGGCT CTGCACAACC ACTACACGCA1101 GAAGAGCCTC TCCCTGTCTC CGGGTAAA

The mature BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 123) is as followsand may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 123) 1 SQNQERLCAF KDPYQQDLGI GESRISHENG TILCSKGSTCYGLWEKSKGD 51 INLVKQGCWS HIGDPQECHY EECVVTTTPP SIQNGTYRFC CCSTDLCNVN 101FTENFPPPDT TPLSPPHSFN RDETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVYTLPPSR KEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP 301 PVLKSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 GK

The complementary form of ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 124) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 124) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGADPVKPS RGPLVTCTCESPHCKGPTCR 51 GAWCTVVLVR EEGRHPQEHR GCGNLHRELC RGRPTEFVNH YCCDSHLCNH 101NVSLVLEATQ PPSEQPGTDG QLATGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYDTTP 301 PVLDSDGSFF LYSDLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 G

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs: 121 and 123 above, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the ALK1-Fcfusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. The aminoacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 124 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded at the C-terminus.

This ALK1-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the following nucleic acid(SEQ ID NO: 125):

(SEQ ID NO: 125) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCGACCCTGT GAAGCCGTCT CGGGGCCCGC 101TGGTGACCTG CACGTGTGAG AGCCCACATT GCAAGGGGCC TACCTGCCGG 151 GGGGCCTGGTGCACAGTAGT GCTGGTGCGG GAGGAGGGGA GGCACCCCCA 201 GGAACATCGG GGCTGCGGGAACTTGCACAG GGAGCTCTGC AGGGGCCGCC 251 CCACCGAGTT CGTCAACCAC TACTGCTGCGACAGCCACCT CTGCAACCAC 301 AACGTGTCCC TGGTGCTGGA GGCCACCCAA CCTCCTTCGGAGCAGCCGGG 351 AACAGATGGC CAGCTGGCCA CCGGTGGTGG AACTCACACA TGCCCACCGT401 GCCCAGCACC TGAACTCCTG GGGGGACCGT CAGTCTTCCT CTTCCCCCCA 451AAACCCAAGG ACACCCTCAT GATCTCCCGG ACCCCTGAGG TCACATGCGT 501 GGTGGTGGACGTGAGCCACG AAGACCCTGA GGTCAAGTTC AACTGGTACG 551 TGGACGGCGT GGAGGTGCATAATGCCAAGA CAAAGCCGCG GGAGGAGCAG 601 TACAACAGCA CGTACCGTGT GGTCAGCGTCCTCACCGTCC TGCACCAGGA 651 CTGGCTGAAT GGCAAGGAGT ACAAGTGCAA GGTCTCCAACAAAGCCCTCC 701 CAGCCCCCAT CGAGAAAACC ATCTCCAAAG CCAAAGGGCA GCCCCGAGAA751 CCACAGGTGT ACACCCTGCC CCCATCCCGG GAGGAGATGA CCAAGAACCA 801GGTCAGCCTG ACCTGCCTGG TCAAAGGCTT CTATCCCAGC GACATCGCCG 851 TGGAGTGGGAGAGCAATGGG CAGCCGGAGA ACAACTACGA CACCACGCCT 901 CCCGTGCTGG ACTCCGACGGCTCCTTCTTC CTCTATAGCG ACCTCACCGT 951 GGACAAGAGC AGGTGGCAGC AGGGGAACGTCTTCTCATGC TCCGTGATGC 1001 ATGAGGCTCT GCACAACCAC TACACGCAGA AGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCTCCG 1051 GGT

The mature ALK1-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 126) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine added at theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 126) 1 DPVKPSRGPL VTCTCESPHC KGPTCRGAWC TVVLVREEGRHPQEHRGCGN 51 LHRELCRGRP TEFVNHYCCD SHLCNHNVSL VLEATQPPSE QPGTDGQLAT 101GGGTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE 151 DPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY 201 KCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMT KNQVSLTCLV 251 KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYDTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSD LTVDKSRWQQ 301 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPG

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK1-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 123 and SEQ ID NO: 126,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a heteromeric complex comprising BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond.

The BMPRII-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 411) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 411) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASQNQER LCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESRIS 51 HENGTILCSK GSTCYGLWEK SKGDINLVKQ GCWSHIGDPQ ECHYEECVVT 101TTPPSIQNGT YRFCCCSTDL CNVNFTENFP PPDTTPLSPP HSFNRDETGG 151 GTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVF LFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP 201 EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC 251 KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTLPPCREEMTKN QVSLWCLVKG 301 FYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGN 351 VFSCSVMHEA LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacinga serine with a cysteine and a threonine with a trytophan) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the fusion protein as indicated bydouble underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 411 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 412) is as followsand may optionally be provided with the lysine (K) removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 412) 1 SQNQERLCAF KDPYQQDLGI GESRISHENG TILCSKGSTCYGLWEKSKGD 51 INLVKQGCWS HIGDPQECHY EECVVTTTPP SIQNGTYRFC CCSTDLCNVN 101FTENFPPPDT TPLSPPHSFN RDETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVYTLPPCR EEMTKNQVSL WCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP 301 PVLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 GK

The complementary form of ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 413) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 413) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGADPVKPS RGPLVTCTCESPHCKGPTCR 51 GAWCTVVLVR EEGRHPQEHR GCGNLHRELC RGRPTEFVNH YCCDSHLCNH 101NVSLVLEATQ PPSEQPGTDG QLATGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVCTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL SCAVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP 301 PVLDSDGSFF LVSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 GK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To guideheterodimer formation with the BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs: 411 and 412 above, four amino acid substitutions can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK1 fusion polypeptide as indicated by doubleunderline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 413 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK1-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 414) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 414) 1 DPVKPSRGPL VTCTCESPHC KGPTCRGAWC TVVLVREEGRHPQEHRGCGN 51 LHRELCRGRP TEFVNHYCCD SHLCNHNVSL VLEATQPPSE QPGTDGQLAT 101GGGTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE 151 DPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY 201 KCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVC TLPPSREEMT KNQVSLSCAV 251 KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLVSK LTVDKSRWQQ 301 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK1-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 412 and SEQ ID NO: 414,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a heteromeric complex comprising BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc.

Purification of various BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc complexes could be achieved bya series of column chromatography steps, including, for example, threeor more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 17. Ligand Binding Profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc HeterodimerCompared to BMPRII-Fc Homodimer and ALK1-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of BMPRII-Fc and ALK1-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheBMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer, BMPRII-Fc homodimer, and ALK1-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer compared toBMPRII-Fc homodimer and ALK1-Fc homodimer BMPRII-Fc ALKI-FcBMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) BMP9 1.2 × 10⁷ 2.6 × 10⁻² 2100 7.8 × 10⁶1.3 × 10 −4 16 1.2 × 10⁶ 4.1 × 10 −4 360 BMP10 2.6 × 10⁷ 2.5 × 10⁻³ 1004.1 × 10⁶ 1.6 × 10 −4 38 1.5 × 10⁷ 3.5 × 10 −4 23 BMP15 9.9 × 10⁶ 2.8 ×10⁻³ 290 No binding 1.2 × 10⁷ 4.2 × 10⁻² 3500

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fcheterodimer has a binding profile/selectivity which differs from that ofBMPRII-Fc homodimer but is similar to that of ALK1-Fc homodimer. Forexample, the BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer largely retains the strongbinding to BMP9 and BMP10 characteristic of ALK1-Fc homodimer; however,the heterodimer displays modest selectivity for BMP10 over BMP9 notpresent with the homodimer. Also unlike ALK1-Fc homodimer, theBMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer binds to BMP15, albeit with an affinityapproximately an order of magnitude weaker than that of BMPRII-Fchomodimer. See FIG. 11. Accordingly, a BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimerwill be unexpectedly useful in certain therapeutic applications whereselective antagonism of BMP9 and particularly BMP10 is advantageous,e.g., for inhibition of angiogenesis, or in applications whereantagonism of BMP15 is also advantageous.

Example 18. Generation of a BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human BMPRII and human ALK2,which are each separately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positionedbetween the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individualconstructs are referred to as BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK2-Fcfusion polypeptide, respectively, and the sequences for each areprovided herein.

Formation of heteromeric BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face. The polypeptide sequence of the BMPRII-Fcfusion polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are providedabove in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs: 121-123. To promote formation of theBMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theBMPRII-Fc fusion protein as indicated in Example 16. The amino acidsequences of SEQ ID NOs: 121 and 123 may optionally be provided with thelysine removed from the C-terminus.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptideand a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 9 as SEQID NOs: 136-138. To guide heterodimer formation with the BMPRII-Fcfusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 121 and 123, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated inExample 9. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 136 and 138 mayoptionally be provided with a lysine added at the C-terminus.

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 123 and SEQID NO: 138, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingBMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptidesequences (SEQ ID NOs: 411-412) are discussed in Example 16. To promoteformation of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacinga serine with a cysteine and a threonine with a trytophan) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the BMPRII-Fc polypeptide as indicatedin Example 16. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 411 and 412 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

Polypeptide sequences of the complementary ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptide(SEQ ID NOs: 421-422) are discussed in Example 9. To guide heterodimerformation with the BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 411-412,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe ALK2 fusion polypeptide as indicated in Example 9. The amino acidsequences of SEQ ID NOs: 421-422 may optionally be provided with thelysine removed from the C-terminus.

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 412 and SEQID NO: 422, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingBMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

Purification of various BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc complexes could be achieved bya series of column chromatography steps, including, for example, threeor more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 19. Ligand Binding Profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc HeterodimerCompared to BMPRII-Fc Homodimer and ALK2-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of BMPRII-Fc and ALK2-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheBMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer, BMPRII-Fc homodimer, and ALK2-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted by gray shading.

Ligand binding profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer compared toBMPRII-Fc homodimer and ALK2-Fc homodimer BMPRII-Fc ALK2-FcBMPRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin B 1.9 × 10⁶ 4.9 × 10⁻³ 2600 Nobinding 5.9 × 10⁵ 3.1 × 10⁻³ 5200 BMP5 1.9 × 10⁶ 1.9 × 10⁻² 9900 Nobinding 1.8 × 10⁶ 5.0 × 10⁻³ 2800 BMP7 Transient* >93000 No binding 1.5× 10⁷ 1.2 × 10⁻² 760 BMP9 4.5 × 10⁷ 7.3 × 10⁻² 1600 No binding 1.0 × 10⁷5.1 × 10⁻³ 500 BMP10 3.8 × 10⁷ 5.0 × 10⁻³ 130 No binding 1.1 × 10⁸ 3.4 ×10⁻² 300 BMP15 5.8 × 10⁶ 4.2 × 10⁻³ 720 No binding 9.6 × 10⁶ 1.1 × 10⁻²1100 *Indeterminate due to transient nature of interaction

Example 20. Generation of a BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human BMPRII and human ALK3,which are each separately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positionedbetween the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individualconstructs are referred to as BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK3-Fcfusion polypeptide, respectively, and the sequences for each areprovided herein.

Formation of heteromeric BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face. The polypeptide sequence of the BMPRII-Fcfusion polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are providedabove in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs: 121-123. To promote formation of theBMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theBMPRII-Fc fusion protein as indicated in Example 16. The amino acidsequences of SEQ ID NOs: 121 and 123 may optionally be provided with thelysine removed from the C-terminus.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptideand a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 4 as SEQID NOs: 115-117. To guide heterodimer formation with the BMPRII-Fcfusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 121 and 123, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated inExample 4. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 115 and 117 mayoptionally be provided with a lysine added at the C-terminus.

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 123 and SEQID NO: 117, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingBMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptidesequences (SEQ ID NOs: 411-412) are discussed in Example 16. To promoteformation of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacinga serine with a cysteine and a threonine with a trytophan) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the BMPRII-Fc polypeptide as indicatedin Example 16. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 411 and 412 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

Polypeptide sequences of the complementary ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptide(SEQ ID NOs: 407-408) are discussed in Example 4. To guide heterodimerformation with the BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 411-412,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe ALK3 fusion polypeptide as indicated in Example 4. The amino acidsequences of SEQ ID NOs: 407 and 408 may optionally be provided with thelysine removed from the C-terminus.

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 412 and SEQID NO: 408, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingBMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

Purification of various BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc complexes could be achieved bya series of column chromatography steps, including, for example, threeor more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 21. Ligand Binding Profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc HeterodimerCompared to BMPRII-Fc Homodimer and ALK3-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of BMPRII-Fc and ALK3-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheBMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer, BMPRII-Fc homodimer, and ALK3-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer compared toBMPRII-Fc homodimer and ALK3-Fc homodimer BMPRII-Fc ALK3-FcBMPR1I-Fc:ALK3-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin B 2.0 × 10⁷ 7.5 × 10⁻² 3800 Nobinding Minimal binding BMP2 Transient* >2 × 10⁶ 6.2 × 10⁵ 1.4 × 10 −4230 2.9 × 10⁶ 1.5 × 10 −4 51 BMP4 — 2.6 × 10⁵ 5.5 × 10 −5 210 9.1 × 10⁵9.1 × 10 −5 100 BMP5 — 2.9 × 10⁴ 2.3 × 10⁻³ 70000 4.3 × 10⁵ 1.4 × 10⁻³3200 BMP6 Transient* >8900 1.4 × 10⁵ 4.9 × 10⁻³ 35000 3.6 × 10⁵ 5.9 × 10−4 1600 BMP7 Transient* >38000 1.2 × 10⁶ 1.8 × 10⁻² 15000 1.2 × 10⁷ 1.2× 10⁻² 1000 BMP9 1.2 × 10⁷ 2.6 × 10⁻² 2100 No binding No binding BMP102.6 × 10⁷ 2.5 × 10⁻³ 100 — 6.8 × 10⁵ 1.6 × 10⁻³ 2400 BMP15 9.9 × 10⁶ 2.8× 10⁻³ 290 — 9.1 × 10⁵ 5.5 × 10⁻³ 6000 GDF5 No binding 4.3 × 10⁵ 1.1 ×10⁻² 22000 Minimal binding GDF6 Transient* >88000 3.4 × 10⁴ 1.3 × 10⁻³40000 1.4 × 10⁶ 1.9 × 10⁻³ 1400 *Indeterminate due to transient natureof interaction —Not tested

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fcheterodimer has ligand binding selectivity which is clearly unlike thatof BMPRII-Fc homodimer but also differs from that of ALK3-Fc homodimer.BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer binds much more strongly to BMP6 than doesALK3-Fc homodimer, reflecting an off-rate nearly ten-fold slower. Withits largely unchanged binding to BMP2 and BMP4, the BMPRII-Fc:ALK3heterodimer can therefore be considered a joint inhibitor of BMP2, BMP4,and BMP6. This binding profile contrasts with that of ALK3-Fc homodimer,whose exceptionally strongly binding to BMP4 and BMP2 identifies it ashighly selective for this ligand pair compared to four ligands withintermediate-level binding, including BMP6. See FIG. 12. Accordingly, aBMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer will be unexpectedly useful in certaintherapeutic applications where joint antagonism of BMP2, BMP4, and BMP6is advantageous.

Example 22. Generation of a BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of human BMPRII and human ALK4,which are each separately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positionedbetween the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individualconstructs are referred to as BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK4-Fcfusion polypeptide, respectively, and the sequences for each areprovided herein.

Formation of heteromeric BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face. The polypeptide sequence of the BMPRII-Fcfusion polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are providedabove in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs: 121-123. To promote formation of theBMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theBMPRII-Fc fusion protein as indicated in Example 16. The amino acidsequences of SEQ ID NOs: 121 and 123 may optionally be provided with thelysine removed from the C-terminus.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptideand a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 1 as SEQID NOs: 104-106. To guide heterodimer formation with the BMPRII-Fcfusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 121 and 123, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated inExample 1. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 104 and 106 mayoptionally be provided with a lysine added at the C-terminus.

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 123 and SEQID NO: 106, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingBMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptidesequences (SEQ ID NOs: 411 and 412) are discussed in Example 16. Topromote formation of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather thaneither of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with atrytophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the BMPRII-Fcpolypeptide as indicated in Example 16. The amino acid sequences of SEQID NOs: 411 and 412 may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

Polypeptide sequences of the complementary ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide(SEQ ID NOs: 403 and 404) are discussed in Example 1. To guideheterodimer formation with the BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ IDNOs: 411 and 412, four amino acid substitutions can be introduced intothe Fc domain of the ALK4 fusion polypeptide as indicated in Example 1.The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 403 and 404 may optionally beprovided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The BMPRII-Fc and ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 412 and SEQID NO: 404, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingBMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Purification of various BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc complexes could be achieved bya series of column chromatography steps, including, for example, threeor more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 23. Ligand Binding Profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc HeterodimerCompared to BMPRII-Fc Homodimer and ALK4-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimeric complex describedabove with that of BMPRII-Fc and ALK4-Fc homodimeric complexes. TheBMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer, BMPRII-Fc homodimer, and ALK4-Fchomodimer were independently captured onto the system using an anti-Fcantibody. Ligands were injected and allowed to flow over the capturedreceptor protein. Results are summarized in the table below, in whichligand off-rates (k_(d)) most indicative of effective ligand traps aredenoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer compared toBMPRII-Fc homodimer and ALK4-Fc homodimer BMPRII-Fc ALK4-FcBMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) Activin A Transient* >43000 5.8 × 10⁵ 1.2 ×10⁻² 20000 2.0 × 10⁶ 2.2 × 10⁻³ 1100 Activin B 2.0 × 10⁷ 7.5 × 10⁻² 3800No binding 1.6 × 10⁶ 2.6 × 10⁻³ 1700 Activin AB — — — 4.4 × 10⁶ 6.4 ×10⁻³ 1500 3.6 × 10⁶ 5.0 × 10 −4 140 BMP9 1.2 × 10⁷ 2.6 × 10⁻² 2100 Nobinding Transient* >140000 BMP10 2.6 × 10⁷ 2.5 × 10⁻³ 100 No binding 8.0× 10⁵ 1.8 × 10⁻³ 2200 BMP15 9.9 × 10⁶ 2.8 × 10⁻³ 290 No binding 2.8 ×10⁷ 4.8 × 10⁻² 1700 *Indeterminate due to transient nature ofinteraction —Not tested

These comparative binding data demonstrate that the BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer has ligand binding selectivity which is unlike that ofeither BMPRII-Fc homodimer or ALK4-Fc homodimer. BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer differs from both homodimers by binding several activinligands with high or intermediate strength and differs from BMPRII-Fchomodimer by binding BMP15 only weakly. Most notably, BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer binds strongly and preferentially to the heterodimericligand activin AB. See FIG. 13. Accordingly, a BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fcheterodimer will be unexpectedly useful in certain therapeuticapplications where antagonism of activin A, activin B, and particularlyactivin AB are advantageous and where antagonism of BMP15 (which isheavily implicated in ovulation) is to be avoided.

Example 24. Generation of a TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heteromeric complexcomprising the extracellular domains of the short (canonical) isoform ofhuman TGFβRII and human ALK1, which are each separately fused to an Fcdomain with a linker positioned between the extracellular domain and theFc domain. The individual constructs are referred to asTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide,respectively, and the sequences for each are provided herein.

Formation of heteromeric TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach,one Fc domain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at theinteraction face, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduceanionic amino acids at the interaction face.

The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 127) is shownbelow:

(SEQ ID NO: 127) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFP 51 QLCKFCDVRF STCDNQKSCM SNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVW RKNDENITLE 101TVCHDPKLPY HDFILEDAAS PKCIMKEKKK PGETFFMCSC SSDECNDNII 151 FSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP 201 EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLT 251 VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSRKE 301 MTKNQVSLTC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPVLKSDGSFFLY 351 SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer rather thaneither of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing acidic amino acids with lysine) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion proteinas indicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQID NO: 127 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

This TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the followingnucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 128):

(SEQ ID NO: 128) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCACGATCCC ACCGCACGTT CAGAAGTCGG 101TTAATAACGA CATGATAGTC ACTGACAACA ACGGTGCAGT CAAGTTTCCA 151 CAACTGTGTAAATTTTGTGA TGTGAGATTT TCCACCTGTG ACAACCAGAA 201 ATCCTGCATG AGCAACTGCAGCATCACCTC CATCTGTGAG AAGCCACAGG 251 AAGTCTGTGT GGCTGTATGG AGAAAGAATGACGAGAACAT AACACTAGAG 301 ACAGTTTGCC ATGACCCCAA GCTCCCCTAC CATGACTTTATTCTGGAAGA 351 TGCTGCTTCT CCAAAGTGCA TTATGAAGGA AAAAAAAAAG CCTGGTGAGA401 CTTTCTTCAT GTGTTCCTGT AGCTCTGATG AGTGCAATGA CAACATCATC 451TTCTCAGAAG AATATAACAC CAGCAATCCT GACACCGGTG GTGGAACTCA 501 CACATGCCCACCGTGCCCAG CACCTGAACT CCTGGGGGGA CCGTCAGTCT 551 TCCTCTTCCC CCCAAAACCCAAGGACACCC TCATGATCTC CCGGACCCCT 601 GAGGTCACAT GCGTGGTGGT GGACGTGAGCCACGAAGACC CTGAGGTCAA 651 GTTCAACTGG TACGTGGACG GCGTGGAGGT GCATAATGCCAAGACAAAGC 701 CGCGGGAGGA GCAGTACAAC AGCACGTACC GTGTGGTCAG CGTCCTCACC751 GTCCTGCACC AGGACTGGCT GAATGGCAAG GAGTACAAGT GCAAGGTCTC 801CAACAAAGCC CTCCCAGCCC CCATCGAGAA AACCATCTCC AAAGCCAAAG 851 GGCAGCCCCGAGAACCACAG GTGTACACCC TGCCCCCATC CCGGAAGGAG 901 ATGACCAAGA ACCAGGTCAGCCTGACCTGC CTGGTCAAAG GCTTCTATCC 951 CAGCGACATC GCCGTGGAGT GGGAGAGCAATGGGCAGCCG GAGAACAACT 1001 ACAAGACCAC GCCTCCCGTG CTGAAGTCCG ACGGCTCCTTCTTCCTCTAT 1051 AGCAAGCTCA CCGTGGACAA GAGCAGGTGG CAGCAGGGGA ACGTCTTCTC1101 ATGCTCCGTG ATGCATGAGG CTCTGCACAA CCACTACACG CAGAAGAGCC 1151TCTCCCTGTC TCCGGGTAAA

The mature TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 129) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 129) 1 TIPPHVQKSV NNDMIVTDNN GAVKFPQLCK FCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCS 51 ITSICEKPQE VCVAVWRKND ENITLETVCH DPKLPYHDFI LEDAASPKCI 101MKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDE CNDNIIFSEE YNTSNPDTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTL PPSRKEMTKNQVSLTCLVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLKSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptideand a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 16 asSEQ ID NOs: 124-126. To guide heterodimer formation with theTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 127 and 129, twoamino acid substitutions (replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide asindicated in Example 16. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 124 and126 may optionally be provided with a lysine added at the C-terminus.

The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and ALK1-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 129 and SEQ IDNO: 126, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc.

A variant TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heteromeric complex may be generated inwhich the ALK1-Fc polypeptide described above (SEQ ID NO: 126) is pairedwith an Fc fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of thelong (A) isoform of TGFβRII (TGFβRII_(LONG)) in place of theextracellular domain of the short isoform.

The TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 130) is shownbelow:

(SEQ ID NO: 130) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSDVEMEAQKDEIICPSCN 51 RTAHPLRHIN NDMIVTDNNG AVKFPQLCKF CDVRFSTCDN QKSCMSNCSI 101TSICEKPQEV CVAVWRKNDE NITLETVCHD PKLPYHDFIL EDAASPKCIM 151 KEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDEC NDNIIFSEEY NTSNPDTGGG THTCPPCPAP 201 ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE VKFNWYVDGV 251 EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPI 301 EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSRKEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWE 351 SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLKSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL401 HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer rather thaneither of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing acidic amino acids with lysine) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein asindicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO: 130 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

This TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein is encoded by the followingnucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 131):

(SEQ ID NO: 131) 1 ATGGATGCAA TGAAGAGAGG GCTCTGCTGT GTGCTGCTGCTGTGTGGAGC 51 AGTCTTCGTT TCGCCCGGCG CCACGATCCC ACCGCACGTT CAGAAGTCGG 101ATGTGGAAAT GGAGGCCCAG AAAGATGAAA TCATCTGCCC CAGCTGTAAT 151 AGGACTGCCCATCCACTGAG ACATATTAAT AACGACATGA TAGTCACTGA 201 CAACAACGGT GCAGTCAAGTTTCCACAACT GTGTAAATTT TGTGATGTGA 251 GATTTTCCAC CTGTGACAAC CAGAAATCCTGCATGAGCAA CTGCAGCATC 301 ACCTCCATCT GTGAGAAGCC ACAGGAAGTC TGTGTGGCTGTATGGAGAAA 351 GAATGACGAG AACATAACAC TAGAGACAGT TTGCCATGAC CCCAAGCTCC401 CCTACCATGA CTTTATTCTG GAAGATGCTG CTTCTCCAAA GTGCATTATG 451AAGGAAAAAA AAAAGCCTGG TGAGACTTTC TTCATGTGTT CCTGTAGCTC 501 TGATGAGTGCAATGACAACA TCATCTTCTC AGAAGAATAT AACACCAGCA 551 ATCCTGACAC CGGTGGTGGAACTCACACAT GCCCACCGTG CCCAGCACCT 601 GAACTCCTGG GGGGACCGTC AGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCCCAA AACCCAAGGA 651 CACCCTCATG ATCTCCCGGA CCCCTGAGGT CACATGCGTGGTGGTGGACG 701 TGAGCCACGA AGACCCTGAG GTCAAGTTCA ACTGGTACGT GGACGGCGTG751 GAGGTGCATA ATGCCAAGAC AAAGCCGCGG GAGGAGCAGT ACAACAGCAC 801GTACCGTGTG GTCAGCGTCC TCACCGTCCT GCACCAGGAC TGGCTGAATG 851 GCAAGGAGTACAAGTGCAAG GTCTCCAACA AAGCCCTCCC AGCCCCCATC 901 GAGAAAACCA TCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGGCAG CCCCGAGAAC CACAGGTGTA 951 CACCCTGCCC CCATCCCGGA AGGAGATGACCAAGAACCAG GTCAGCCTGA 1001 CCTGCCTGGT CAAAGGCTTC TATCCCAGCG ACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAG 1051 AGCAATGGGC AGCCGGAGAA CAACTACAAG ACCACGCCTC CCGTGCTGAA1101 GTCCGACGGC TCCTTCTTCC TCTATAGCAA GCTCACCGTG GACAAGAGCA 1151GGTGGCAGCA GGGGAACGTC TTCTCATGCT CCGTGATGCA TGAGGCTCTG 1201 CACAACCACTACACGCAGAA GAGCCTCTCC CTGTCTCCGG GTAAA

The mature TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 132) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 132) 1 TIPPHVQKSD VEMEAQKDEI ICPSCNRTAH PLRHINNDMIVTDNNGAVKF 51 PQLCKFCDVR FSTCDNQKSC MSNCSITSIC EKPQEVCVAV WRKNDENITL 101ETVCHDPKLP YHDFILEDAA SPKCIMKEKK KPGETFFMCS CSSDECNDNI 151 IFSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT 201 PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVL 251 TVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRK 301 EMTKNQVSLT CLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPPVLKSDGSFFL 351 YSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond.

The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 415) is shownbelow:

(SEQ ID NO: 415) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFP 51 QLCKFCDVRF STCDNQKSCM SNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVW RKNDENITLE 101TVCHDPKLPY HDFILEDAAS PKCIMKEKKK PGETFFMCSC SSDECNDNII 151 FSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP 201 EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLT 251 VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPCREE 301 MTKNQVSLWC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLY 351 SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer rather thaneither of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with atrytophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusion protein asindicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO: 415 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

The mature TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 416) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 416) 1 TIPPHVQKSV NNDMIVTDNN GAVKFPQLCK FCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCS 51 ITSICEKPQE VCVAVWRKND ENITLETVCH DPKLPYHDFI LEDAASPKCI 101MKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDE CNDNIIFSEE YNTSNPDTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTL PPCREEMTKNQVSLWCLVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

Polypeptide sequences of the complementary ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide(SEQ ID NOs: 413 and 414) are discussed in Example 16. To guideheterodimer formation with the TGFβ_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQID NOs: 415 and 416, four amino acid substitutions can be introducedinto the Fc domain of the ALK1 fusion polypeptide as indicated inExample 16. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 413 and 414 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and ALK1-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 416 and SEQ IDNO: 414, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFBRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc.

A variant TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heteromeric complex may be generated inwhich the ALK1-Fc polypeptide described above (SEQ ID NO: 414) is pairedwith an Fc fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of thelong (A) isoform of TGFβRII (TGFβRII_(LONG)) in place of theextracellular domain of the short isoform.

The TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 417) is shownbelow:

(SEQ ID NO: 417) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSDVEMEAQKDEIICPSCN 51 RTAHPLRHIN NDMIVTDNNG AVKFPQLCKF CDVRFSTCDN QKSCMSNCSI 101TSICEKPQEV CVAVWRKNDE NITLETVCHD PKLPYHDFIL EDAASPKCIM 151 KEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDEC NDNIIFSEEY NTSNPDTGGG THTCPPCPAP 201 ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE VKFNWYVDGV 251 EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPI 301 EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PCREEMTKNQ VSLWCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWE 351 SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL401 HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer rather thaneither of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with atrytophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusion protein asindicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ IDNO: 417 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

The mature TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 418) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 418) 1 TIPPHVQKSD VEMEAQKDEI ICPSCNRTAH PLRHINNDMIVTDNNGAVKF 51 PQLCKFCDVR FSTCDNQKSC MSNCSITSIC EKPQEVCVAV WRKNDENITL 101ETVCHDPKLP YHDFILEDAA SPKCIMKEKK KPGETFFMCS CSSDECNDNI 151 IFSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT 201 PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVL 251 TVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPCRE 301 EMTKNQVSLW CLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFL 351 YSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K

The TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc and ALK1-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 418 and SEQ IDNO: 414, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK1-Fc.

Purification of various TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 25. Ligand Binding Profile of TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc HeterodimerCompared to TGFβRII-Fc Homodimer and ALK1-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimeric complexdescribed above with that of TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and ALK1-Fc homodimericcomplexes. The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer,TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc homodimer, and ALK1-Fc homodimer were independentlycaptured onto the system using an anti-Fc antibody. Ligands wereinjected and allowed to flow over the captured receptor protein. Resultsare summarized in the table below, in which ligand off-rates (k_(d))most indicative of effective ligand traps are denoted in bold.

Ligand binding profile of TGFBRII_(SHORT)-FcALK1-Fc heterodimer comparedto TGFBRII_(SHORT)-Fc homodimer and ALK1-Fc homodimer TGFBRII_(SHORT)-FcALK1-Fc TGFBRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK1-Fc homodimer homodimer heterodimer k_(a)k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM)(1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) BMP9 No binding 7.9 × 10⁶ 1.3 × 10−4 16 2.1 × 10⁷ 2.2 × 10⁻³ 110 BMP10 No binding 1.7 × 10⁷ 1.1 × 10 −4 61.2 × 10⁷ 9.6 × 10 −4 78 TGFβ1 4.2 × 10⁷ 1.1 × 10^(−3') 25 No bindingTransient* >5300 TGFβ2 Transient* >44000 No binding No binding TGFβ3 5.9× 10⁷ 5.9 × 10⁻³ 99 No binding Transient* >4700 *Indeterminate due totransient nature of interaction

Example 26. Generation of a TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heteromericcomplex comprising the extracellular domains of the human TGFβRII short(canonical) isoform and human ALK5, which are each separately fused toan Fc domain with a linker positioned between the extracellular domainand the Fc domain. The individual constructs are referred to asTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide,respectively, and the sequences for each are provided herein.

Formation of heteromeric TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach,one Fc domain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at theinteraction face, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduceanionic amino acids at the interaction face. The polypeptide sequence ofthe TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequenceencoding it are provided above in Example 24 as SEQ ID NOs: 127-129. Topromote formation of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer ratherthan either of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing acidic amino acids with lysine) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion proteinas indicated in Example 24. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 127and 129 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptideand a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 11 asSEQ ID NOs: 139-141. To guide heterodimer formation with theTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 127 and 129, twoamino acid substitutions (replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide asindicated in Example 11. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 139 and141 may optionally be provided with a lysine added at the C-terminus.

The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 129and SEQ ID NO: 141, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusionpolypeptide sequences (SEQ ID NOs: 415-416) are discussed in Example 24.To promote formation of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimerrather than either of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with atrytophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc polypeptide as indicated in Example 24. The aminoacid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 415-416 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

Polypeptide sequences of the complementary ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide(SEQ ID NOs: 423-424) are discussed in Example 11. To guide heterodimerformation with the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs:415-416, four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the ALK5 fusion polypeptide as indicated in Example 11. Theamino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 423-424 may optionally be providedwith the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 416and SEQ ID NO: 424, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Purification of various TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc complexes could beachieved by a series of column chromatography steps, including, forexample, three or more of the following, in any order: protein Achromatography, Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharosechromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and cation exchangechromatography. The purification could be completed with viralfiltration and buffer exchange.

Example 27. Generation of a TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc Heterodimer

Applicants constructed a soluble TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heteromericcomplex comprising the extracellular domain of the long (A) isoform ofhuman TGFβRII and the extracellular domain of human ALK5, which are eachseparately fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide and ALK5-Fc fusionpolypeptide, respectively, and the sequences for each are providedherein.

Formation of heteromeric TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach,one Fc domain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at theinteraction face, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduceanionic amino acids at the interaction face. The polypeptide sequence ofthe TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide and a nucleic acid sequenceencoding it are provided above in Example 24 as SEQ ID NOs: 130-132. Topromote formation of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer ratherthan either of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing acidic amino acids with lysine) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein asindicated in Example 24. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 130 and132 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptideand a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 11 asSEQ ID NOs: 139-141. To guide heterodimer formation with theTGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 130 and 132, twoamino acid substitutions (replacing lysines with aspartic acids) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide asindicated in Example 11. The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 139 and142 may optionally be provided with a lysine added at the C-terminus.

The TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 132and SEQ ID NO: 141, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusionpolypeptide sequences (SEQ ID NOs: 417-418) are discussed in Example 24.To promote formation of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer ratherthan either of the possible homodimeric complexes, two amino acidsubstitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and a threonine with atrytophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fcpolypeptide as indicated in Example 24. The amino acid sequences of SEQID NOs: 417-418 may optionally be provided with the lysine removed fromthe C-terminus.

Polypeptide sequences of the complementary ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide(SEQ ID NOs: 423-424) are discussed in Example 11. To guide heterodimerformation with the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs:417-418, four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fcdomain of the ALK5 fusion polypeptide as indicated in Example 11. Theamino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 423-424 may optionally be providedwith the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 418and SEQ ID NO: 424, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line, to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingTGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Purification of various TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc complexes could beachieved by a series of column chromatography steps, including, forexample, three or more of the following, in any order: protein Achromatography, Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharosechromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and cation exchangechromatography. The purification could be completed with viralfiltration and buffer exchange.

Example 28. Activity Profiles of TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc HeterodimersCompared to TGFβRII-Fc Homodimer and ALK5-Fc Homodimer

A Biacore™-based binding assay was used to compare ligand bindingselectivity of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc andTGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimeric complexes described in Examples26-27 with that of TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and ALK5-Fc homodimeric complexes.The heteromeric or homomeric protein complexes were independentlycaptured onto the system using an anti-Fc antibody. Ligands wereinjected and allowed to flow over the captured receptor protein. Resultsare summarized in the table below, in which ligand off-rates (k_(d))most indicative of effective ligand traps are denoted in bold.

Ligand binding profiles of TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimers compared toTGFβRII-Fc homodimer and ALK5-Fc homodimer TGFβRII_(SHORT)-FcTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc ALK5-Fc HomodimerHeterodimer Heterodimer Homodimer k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) k_(a) k_(d) K_(D)k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) Ligand k_(a) k_(d) K_(D) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) (1/Ms)(1/s) (pM) (1/Ms) (1/s) (pM) TGFβ1 No binding 5.6 × 10⁷ 1.1 × 10⁻³ 201.4 × 10⁸ 1.7 × 10⁻³ 12 6.6 × 10⁷ 9.2 × 10 −1 14 TGFβ2 No binding 2.1 ×10⁵ 2.2 × 10⁻³ 11000 6.6 × 10⁶ 2.9 × 10 −6 0.4 4.2 × 10⁶ 2.8 × 10 −70.07 TGFβ3 No binding 1.9 × 10⁷ 1.4 × 10⁻³ 71 2.7 × 10⁷ 1.0 × 10⁻³ 382.7 × 10⁷ 1.0 × 10⁻³ 38 *Low signal which suggests that a substantialfraction of the protein is inactive

These comparative binding data indicate that the ligand binding profilesof TGFBRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimers are markedly different from that ofTGFBRII-Fc homodimer and from ALK5-Fc homodimer, which did not bind anyligands. Based on the equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)),TGFβRII-Fc homodimer bound TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 with much higher affinitythan TGFβ1, even though off-rates for the three TGFβ ligands weresimilar. In contrast, TGFBRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimers displayed highselectivity for TGFβ2 over TGFβ1/TGFβ3. In particular,TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer bound TGFβ2 with an affinityapproximately five orders of magnitude higher and an off-rateapproximately four orders of magnitude slower than did TGFβRII-Fchomodimer. TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer also bound TGFβ2 morestrongly than did heterodimer containing the short isoform. See FIG. 14.Neither of the TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimers was able to bind BMP9 orBMP10 (data not shown), which distinguishes these TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fcheterodimers from TGFβRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc heterodimer (see Example 25).Sensograms for the two TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimers exhibited lowsignal amplitude which suggests that a substantial fraction of eachprotein was inactive.

To better interpret these data obtained by surface plasmon resonance, areporter gene assay in A549 cells was used to determine the ability ofTGFβRII fusion proteins to inhibit activity of TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3.This assay is based on a human lung carcinoma cell line transfected withreporter plasmids pGL3(CAGA)12-firefly luciferase (Dennler et al, 1998,EMBO 17: 3091-3100) and pRLCMV-renilla luciferase, the latter to controlfor transfection efficiency. The CAGA motif is present in the promotersof TGFβ-responsive genes (for example, PAI-1), so this vector is ofgeneral use for factors signaling through SMAD2 and SMAD3.

On the first day of the assay, A549 cells (ATCC®: CCL-185™) weredistributed in 48-well plates at 6.5×10⁴ cells per well and incubatedovernight. All incubations were at 37° C. and 5% CO₂ in a tissue cultureincubator unless otherwise indicated. On the second day, a solutioncontaining 10 μg pGL3(CAGA)12-firefly luciferase, 100 ng pRLCMV-renillaluciferase, 30 μL X-tremeGENE 9 (Roche Applied Science), and 970 μLOptiMEM (Invitrogen) was preincubated for 30 min at room temperature,then added to 24 mL Eagle's minimum essential medium (EMEM, ATCC®)supplemented with 0.1% BSA. Medium was removed from the plated cells andthis transfection mixture was applied to the cells (500 μl/well) for anovernight incubation. On the third day, medium was removed, and cellswere incubated overnight with a mixture of ligands and inhibitorsprepared as described below.

Serial dilutions of test articles were made in a 48-well plate in a 200μL volume of assay buffer (EMEM+0.1% BSA). An equal volume of assaybuffer containing the test ligand was added to obtain a final ligandconcentration equal to the EC₅₀ determined previously. Human TGFβ1,TGFβ2, and TGFβ3 were obtained from PeproTech. Test solutions wereincubated for 30 minutes, then 250 μL of the mixture was added to thetransfected cells. Each concentration of test article was determined induplicate. After incubation with test solutions overnight, cells wererinsed with phosphate-buffered saline, then lysed with passive lysisbuffer (Promega E1941) and stored overnight at −70° C. On the fourth andfinal day, plates were warmed to room temperature with gentle shaking.Cell lysates were transferred to a chemiluminescence plate (96-well) andanalyzed in a luminometer with reagents from a Dual-Luciferase ReporterAssay system (Promega E1980) to determine normalized luciferaseactivity.

This assay was used to compare the ability of TGFβRII fusion proteinvariants to inhibit cell signaling by TGFβRII ligands. Results are shownin the table below.

Inhibitory Activity of TGFβRII Fusion Proteins in A549 Cells IC₅₀ (pM)TGFβ1 TGFβ2 TGFβ3 Construct (640 pg/mL) (480 pg/mL) (270 pg/mL)TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc  90 —  9 homodimer TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK5-Fc <350*~200* <90* heterodimer* TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc 204 154 35 heterodimer— No inhibition (tested at concentrations up to 10 nM) *Value imprecisedue to range of concentrations tested

Results with TGFβRII-Fc homodimer were consistent with previous reportsconcerning wild-type TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc and TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc homodimers(del Re et al., J Biol Chem 279:22765, 2004). In this experiment,TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc homodimer potently inhibited TGFβ1 and TGFβ3 but wasunable to inhibit TGFβ2 at homodimer concentrations up to 10 nM. Thisfinding is consistent with the low affinity of TGFβ2 binding toTGFβRII-Fc homodimer but oddly inconsistent with its slow off-rate (seebinding results above). In contrast, TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimerspotently inhibited all three TGFβ ligands in a cellular environment.Accordingly, a TGFβRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer will be unexpectedlyuseful in certain therapeutic applications where preferential antagonismof TGFβ2—or combined antagonism of TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3—areadvantageous.

Example 29. Generation of MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc Heterodimers

A soluble MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human MISRII and human ALK3,which can each be separately fused to an Fc domain with a linkerpositioned between the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. Theindividual constructs are referred to as MISRII-Fc fusion polypeptideand ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptide, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1. In a first approach, one Fcdomain is altered to introduce cationic amino acids at the interactionface, while the other Fc domain is altered to introduce anionic aminoacids at the interaction face.

The MISRII-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 133) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 133) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAPPNRRT CVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELL 51 DTGTELPRAI RCLYSRCCFG IWNLTQDRAQ VEMQGCRDSD EPGCESLHCD 101PSPRAHPSPG STLFTCSCGT DFCNANYSHL PPPGSPGTPG SQGPQAAPGE 151SIWMALTGGG THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV 201 VVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD 251 WLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSRKEMTKNQ 301 VSLTCLVKGF YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYKTTPPVLKSDG SFFLYSKLTV 351 DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacingacidic amino acids with lysine) can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe MISRII fusion protein as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 133 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature MISRII-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 135) is as followsand may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 135) 1 PPNRRTCVFF EAPGVRGSTK TLGELLDTGT ELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNL 51 TQDRAQVEMQ GCRDSDEPGC ESLHCDPSPR AHPSPGSTLF TCSCGTDFCN 101ANYSHLPPPG SPGTPGSQGP QAAPGESIWM ALTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG 151 GPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFN WYVDGVEVHN 201 AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTI 251 SKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRK EMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ 301 PENNYKTTPP VLKSDGSFFL YSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHY 351 TQKSLSLSPG K

In this first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the complementaryALK3-Fc fusion protein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it areprovided above in Example 4 as SEQ ID NOs: 115-117.

The MISRII-Fc and ALK3-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 135 and SEQ ID NO: 117,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a heteromeric complex comprising MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc. Similarheteromeric complexes may generated by pairing the ALK3-Fc proteindescribed above (SEQ ID NO: 117) with an Fc fusion protein comprisingthe extracellular domain of MISRII isoform 2 or the extracellular domainof MISRII isoform 3 in place of the extracellular domain of MISRIIisoform 1.

In a second approach to promote the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains can bealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond.

The MISRII-Fc polypeptide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 419) is shown below:

(SEQ ID NO: 419) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAPPNRRT CVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELL 51 DTGTELPRAI RCLYSRCCFG IWNLTQDRAQ VEMQGCRDSD EPGCESLHCD 101PSPRAHPSPG STLFTCSCGT DFCNANYSHL PPPGSPGTPG SQGPQAAPGE 151SIWMALTGGG THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV 201 VVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD 251 WLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PCREEMTKNQ 301 VSLWCLVKGF YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSKLTV 351 DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader sequence and linker sequence are underlined. To promoteformation of the MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacinga serine with a cysteine and a threonine with a trytophan) can beintroduced into the Fc domain of the fusion protein as indicated bydouble underline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 419 mayoptionally be provided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature MISRII-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 420) is as followsand may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 420) 1 PPNRRTCVFF EAPGVRGSTK TLGELLDTGT ELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNL 51 TQDRAQVEMQ GCRDSDEPGC ESLHCDPSPR AHPSPGSTLF TCSCGTDFCN 101ANYSHLPPPG SPGTPGSQGP QAAPGESIWM ALTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG 151 GPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFN WYVDGVEVHN 201 AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTI 251 SKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPCRE EMTKNQVSLWCLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ 301 PENNYKTTPP VLDSDGSFFL YSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHY 351 TQKSLSLSPG K

In this second approach, the polypeptide sequence of the complementaryALK3-Fc fusion protein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it areprovided above in Example 4 as SEQ ID NOs: 407-408.

The MISRII-Fc and ALK3-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 420 and SEQ ID NO: 408,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a heteromeric complex comprising MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc. Similarheteromeric complexes may be generated by pairing the ALK3-Fc proteindescribed above (SEQ ID NO: 408) with an Fc fusion protein comprisingthe extracellular domain of MISRII isoform 2 or the extracellular domainof MISRII isoform 3 in place of the extracellular domain of MISRIIisoform 1 described above.

Purification of various MISRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc complexes could be achieved bya series of column chromatography steps, including, for example, threeor more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 30. Generation of an ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIA and human ActRIIB,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIA-Fc and ActRIIB-Fc fusion proteins,respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 1.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided above inExample 14 as SEQ ID NOs: 118-120.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 153) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 153) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGRGEA ETRECIYYNANWELERTNQS 51 GLERCEGEQD KRLHCYASWR NSSGTIELVK KGCWLDDFNC YDRQECVATE 101ENPQVYFCCC EGNFCNERFT HLPEAGGPEV TYEPPPTAPT GGGTHTCPPC 151 PAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 201 DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 251 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVY TLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV 301 EWESNGQPEN NYDTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSD LTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMH 351 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusionprotein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 153 may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

The mature ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:154) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 154) 1 GRGEAETREC IYYNANWELE RTNQSGLERC EGEQDKRLHCYASWRNSSGT 51 IELVKKGCWL DDFNCYDRQE CVATEENPQV YFCCCEGNFC NERFTHLPEA 101GGPEVTYEPP PTAPTGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP PKPKDTLMIS 151 RTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE QYNSTYRVVS 201 VLTVLHQDWL NGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR EPQVYTLPPS 251 REEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYP SDIAVEWESNGQPENNYDTT PPVLDSDGSF 301 FLYSDLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLSPGK

The ActRIIA-Fc and ActRIIB-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 120 and SEQID NO: 154, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are both linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, an alternative polypeptidesequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO: 151) employs theTPA leader and is as follows.

(SEQ ID NO: 151) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAAILGRS ETQECLFFNANWEKDRTNQT 51 GVEPCYGDKD KRRHCFATWK NISGSIEIVK QGCWLDDINC YDRTDCVEKK 101DSPEVYFCCC EGNMCNEKFS YFPEMEVTQP TSNPVTPKPP TGGGTHTCPP 151 CPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH EDPEVKFNWY 201 VDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE YKCKVSNKAL 251 PAPIEKTISK AKGQPREPQV YTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCL VKGFYPSDIA 301 VEWESNGQPE NNYDTTPPVL DSDGSFFLYS DLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVM 351 HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusionprotein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 151 may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

The mature ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:152) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 152) 1 ILGRSETQEC LFFNANWEKD RTNQTGVEPC YGDKDKRRHCFATWKNISGS 51 IEIVKQGCWL DDINCYDRTD CVEKKDSPEV YFCCCEGNMC NEKFSYFPEM 101EVTQPTSNPV TPKPPTGGGT HTCPPCPAPE LLGGPSVFLF PPKPKDTLMI 151 SRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEV KFNWYVDGVE VHNAKTKPRE EQYNSTYRVV 201 SVLTVLHQDW LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIE KTISKAKGQP REPQVYTLPP 251 SREEMTKNQV SLTCLVKGFY PSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYDT TPPVLDSDGS 301 FFLYSDLTVD KSRWQQGNVF SCSVMHEALH NHYTQKSLSLSPGK

The polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 1 as SEQ ID NOs:100-102.

The ActRIIA-Fc and ActRIIB-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 152 and SEQID NO: 102, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 14 as SEQ ID NOs:409-410.

The complementary form of ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 453)is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 453) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGRGEA ETRECIYYNANWELERTNQS 51 GLERCEGEQD KRLHCYASWR NSSGTIELVK KGCWLDDFNC YDRQECVATE 101ENPQVYFCCC EGNFCNERFT HLPEAGGPEV TYEPPPTAPT GGGTHTCPPC 151 PAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 201 DGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 251 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVC TLPPSREEMTKNQVSLSCAV KGFYPSDIAV 301 EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLVSK LTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMH 351 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 409-410,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 453 may optionally beprovided with a lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 454) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 454) 1 GRGEAETREC IYYNANWELE RTNQSGLERC EGEQDKRLHCYASWRNSSGT 51 IELVKKGCWL DDFNCYDRQE CVATEENPQV YFCCCEGNFC NERFTHLPEA 101GGPEVTYEPP PTAPTGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP PKPKDTLMIS 151 RTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE QYNSTYRVVS 201 VLTVLHQDWL NGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR EPQVCTLPPS 251 REEMTKNQVS LSCAVKGFYP SDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTT PPVLDSDGSF 301 FLVSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHN HYTQKSLSLSPGK

The ActRIIA-Fc and ActRIIB-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 410 and SEQ ID NO:454, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, an alternative polypeptide sequence of theActRIIA-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO: 451) employs the TPA leader and isas follows.

(SEQ ID NO: 451) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAAILGRS ETQECLFFNANWEKDRTNQT 51 GVEPCYGDKD KRRHCFATWK NISGSIEIVK QGCWLDDINC YDRTDCVEKK 101DSPEVYFCCC EGNMCNEKFS YFPEMEVTQP TSNPVTPKPP TGGGTHTCPP 151 CPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH EDPEVKFNWY 201 VDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE YKCKVSNKAL 251 PAPIEKTISK AKGQPREPQV CTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLSCA VKGFYPSDIA 301 VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVL DSDGSFFLVS KLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVM 351 HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs 401-402,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 451 may optionally beprovided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:452) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 452) 1 ILGRSETQEC LFFNANWEKD RTNQTGVEPC YGDKDKRRHCFATWKNISGS 51 IEIVKQGCWL DDINCYDRTD CVEKKDSPEV YFCCCEGNMC NEKFSYFPEM 101EVTQPTSNPV TPKPPTGGGT HTCPPCPAPE LLGGPSVFLF PPKPKDTLMI 151 SRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEV KFNWYVDGVE VHNAKTKPRE EQYNSTYRVV 201 SVLTVLHQDW LNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIE KTISKAKGQP REPQVCTLPP 251 SREEMTKNQV SLSCAVKGFY PSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKT TPPVLDSDGS 301 FFLVSKLTVD KSRWQQGNVF SCSVMHEALH NHYTQKSLSLSPGK

The polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIB-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 401-402.

The ActRIIA-Fc and ActRIIB-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 452 and SEQ ID NO:402, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-Fc complexes could beachieved by a series of column chromatography steps, including, forexample, three or more of the following, in any order: protein Achromatography, Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharosechromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and cation exchangechromatography. The purification could be completed with viralfiltration and buffer exchange.

Example 31. Generation of an ActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIA and human BMPRII,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIA-Fc and BMPRII-Fc fusion proteins,respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 30.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example14 as SEQ ID NOs: 118-120.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary BMPRII-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 155) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 155) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASQNQER LCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESRIS 51 HENGTILCSK GSTCYGLWEK SKGDINLVKQ GCWSHIGDPQ ECHYEECVVT 101TTPPSIQNGT YRFCCCSTDL CNVNFTENFP PPDTTPLSPP HSFNRDETGG 151 GTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVF LFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP 201 EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC 251 KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKN QVSLTCLVKG 301 FYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY DTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSDLTVDKSRWQQGN 351 VFSCSVMHEA LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusionprotein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 155 may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

The mature BMPRII-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:156) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 156) 1 SQNQERLCAF KDPYQQDLGI GESRISHENG TILCSKGSTCYGLWEKSKGD 51 INLVKQGCWS HIGDPQECHY EECVVTTTPP SIQNGTYRFC CCSTDLCNVN 101FTENFPPPDT TPLSPPHSFN RDETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVYTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYDTTP 301 PVLDSDGSFF LYSDLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 GK

The ActRIIA-Fc and BMPRII-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 120 and SEQID NO: 156, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 asSEQ ID NOs: 151-152.

The polypeptide sequence of the BMPRII-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs:121-123.

The ActRIIA-Fc and BMPRII-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 152 and SEQID NO: 123, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 14 as SEQ ID NOs409-410.

The complementary form of BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 455)is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 455) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASQNQER LCAFKDPYQQDLGIGESRIS 51 HENGTILCSK GSTCYGLWEK SKGDINLVKQ GCWSHIGDPQ ECHYEECVVT 101TTPPSIQNGT YRFCCCSTDL CNVNFTENFP PPDTTPLSPP HSFNRDETGG 151 GTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVF LFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP 201 EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC 251 KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVCTLPPSREEMTKN QVSLSCAVKG 301 FYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLVSKLTVDKSRWQQGN 351 VFSCSVMHEA LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 409-410,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe BMPRII-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above.The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 455 may optionally be providedwith a lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature BMPRII-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 456) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 456) 1 SQNQERLCAF KDPYQQDLGI GESRISHENG TILCSKGSTCYGLWEKSKGD 51 INLVKQGCWS HIGDPQECHY EECVVTTTPP SIQNGTYRFC CCSTDLCNVN 101FTENFPPPDT TPLSPPHSFN RDETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVCTLPPSR EEMTKNQVSL SCAVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP 301 PVLDSDGSFF LVSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 GK

The ActRIIA-Fc and BMPRII-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 410 and SEQ ID NO:456, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 as SEQ ID NOs:451-452.

The polypeptide sequence of the BMPRII-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 16 as SEQ ID NOs: 411-412.

The ActRIIA-Fc and BMPRII-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 452 and SEQ ID NO:412, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 32. Generation of an ActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIA and human MISRII,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructsare referred to as ActRIIA-Fc and MISRII-Fc fusion proteins,respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 30.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example14 as SEQ ID NOs: 118-120.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary MISRII-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 161) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 161) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAPPNRRT CVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELL 51 DTGTELPRAI RCLYSRCCFG IWNLTQDRAQ VEMQGCRDSD EPGCESLHCD 101PSPRAHPSPG STLFTCSCGT DFCNANYSHL PPPGSPGTPG SQGPQAAPGE 151SIWMALTGGG THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV 201 VVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD 251 WLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ 301 VSLTCLVKGF YPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYD TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSDLTV 351 DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing lysineswith aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of the fusionprotein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 161 may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

The mature MISRII-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:162) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 162) 1 PPNRRTCVFF EAPGVRGSTK TLGELLDTGT ELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNL 51 TQDRAQVEMQ GCRDSDEPGC ESLHCDPSPR AHPSPGSTLF TCSCGTDFCN 101ANYSHLPPPG SPGTPGSQGP QAAPGESIWM ALTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG 151 GPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFN WYVDGVEVHN 201 AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTI 251 SKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRE EMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ 301 PENNYDTTPP VLDSDGSFFL YSDLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHY 351 TQKSLSLSPG K

The ActRIIA-Fc and MISRII-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 120 and SEQID NO: 162, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 asSEQ ID NOs: 151 and 152.

The polypeptide sequence of the MISRII-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 29 as SEQ ID NOs: 133 and 135.

The ActRIIA-Fc and MISRII-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 152 and SEQID NO: 135, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 14 as SEQ ID NOs409-410.

The complementary form of MISRII-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 457)is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 457) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAPPNRRT CVFFEAPGVRGSTKTLGELL 51 DTGTELPRAI RCLYSRCCFG IWNLTQDRAQ VEMQGCRDSD EPGCESLHCD 101PSPRAHPSPG STLFTCSCGT DFCNANYSHL PPPGSPGTPG SQGPQAAPGE 151SIWMALTGGG THTCPPCPAP ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLM ISRTPEVTCV 201 VVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGV EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQD 251 WLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQ PREPQVCTLP PSREEMTKNQ 301 VSLSCAVKGF YPSDIAVEWE SNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDG SFFLVSKLTV 351 DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 409-410,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe MISRII-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above.The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 457 may optionally be providedwith a lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature MISRII-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 458) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with a lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 458) 1 PPNRRTCVFF EAPGVRGSTK TLGELLDTGT ELPRAIRCLYSRCCFGIWNL 51 TQDRAQVEMQ GCRDSDEPGC ESLHCDPSPR AHPSPGSTLF TCSCGTDFCN 101ANYSHLPPPG SPGTPGSQGP QAAPGESIWM ALTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG 151 GPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRT PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFN WYVDGVEVHN 201 AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTI 251 SKAKGQPREP QVCTLPPSRE EMTKNQVSLSCAVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ 301 PENNYKTTPP VLDSDGSFFL VSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHY 351 TQKSLSLSPG K

The ActRIIA-Fc and MISRII-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 410 and SEQ ID NO:458, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 as SEQ ID NOs:451-452.

The polypeptide sequence of the MISRII-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 29 as SEQ ID NOs: 419-420.

The ActRIIA-Fc and MISRII-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 452 and SEQ ID NO:420, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cellline, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-Fc complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

Example 33. Generation of an ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc heteromeric complex can begenerated comprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIA andhuman TGFβRII_(SHORT), which are each fused to an Fc domain with alinker positioned between the extracellular domain and the Fc domain.The individual constructs are referred to as ActRIIA-Fc andTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 30.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example14 as SEQ ID NOs: 118-120.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusionprotein (SEQ ID NO: 157) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 157) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFP 51 QLCKFCDVRF STCDNQKSCM SNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVW RKNDENITLE 101TVCHDPKLPY HDFILEDAAS PKCIMKEKKK PGETFFMCSC SSDECNDNII 151 FSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP 201 EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLT 251 VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSREE 301 MTKNQVSLTC LVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYDTTPPVLDSDGSFFLY 351 SDLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIA-Fc: TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacinglysines with aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 157 may optionally be provided with the lysineremoved from the C-terminus.

The mature TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQID NO: 158) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed fromthe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 158) 1 TIPPHVQKSV NNDMIVTDNN GAVKFPQLCK FCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCS 51 ITSICEKPQE VCVAVWRKND ENITLETVCH DPKLPYHDFI LEDAASPKCI 101MKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDE CNDNIIFSEE YNTSNPDTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTL PPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY DTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSDLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 120and SEQ ID NO: 158, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 asSEQ ID NOs: 151-152.

The polypeptide sequence of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion protein and anucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 24 as SEQ IDNOs: 127-129.

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 152and SEQ ID NO: 129, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 14 as SEQ ID NOs409-410.

The complementary form of TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ IDNO: 459) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 459) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSVNNDMIVTDNNGAVKFP 51 QLCKFCDVRF STCDNQKSCM SNCSITSICE KPQEVCVAVW RKNDENITLE 101TVCHDPKLPY HDFILEDAAS PKCIMKEKKK PGETFFMCSC SSDECNDNII 151 FSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG PSVFLFPPKP KDTLMISRTP 201 EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNA KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLT 251 VLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ VCTLPPSREE 301 MTKNQVSLSC AVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP ENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLV 351 SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSV MHEALHNHYT QKSLSLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 409-410,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by doubleunderline above. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 459 mayoptionally be provided with a lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 460)is as follows and may optionally be provided with a lysine removed fromthe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 460) 1 TIPPHVQKSV NNDMIVTDNN GAVKFPQLCK FCDVRFSTCDNQKSCMSNCS 51 ITSICEKPQE VCVAVWRKND ENITLETVCH DPKLPYHDFI LEDAASPKCI 101MKEKKKPGET FFMCSCSSDE CNDNIIFSEE YNTSNPDTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVCTL PPSREEMTKNQVSLSCAVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLVSKLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 410 and SEQID NO: 460, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 as SEQ ID NOs:451-452.

The polypeptide sequence of the TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc fusion protein isprovided in Example 24 as SEQ ID NOs: 415-416.

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 452 and SEQID NO: 416, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc complexes could beachieved by a series of column chromatography steps, including, forexample, three or more of the following, in any order: protein Achromatography, Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharosechromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and cation exchangechromatography. The purification could be completed with viralfiltration and buffer exchange.

Example 34. Generation of an ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc heteromeric complex can begenerated comprising the extracellular domains of human ActRIIA andhuman TGFβRII_(LONG), which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linkerpositioned between the extracellular domain and the Fc domain. Theindividual constructs are referred to as ActRIIA-Fc andTGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 30.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example14 as SEQ ID NOs: 118-120.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusionprotein (SEQ ID NO: 159) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 159) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSDVEMEAQKDEIICPSCN 51 RTAHPLRHIN NDMIVTDNNG AVKFPQLCKF CDVRFSTCDN QKSCMSNCSI 101TSICEKPQEV CVAVWRKNDE NITLETVCHD PKLPYHDFIL EDAASPKCIM 151 KEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDEC NDNIIFSEEY NTSNPDTGGG THTCPPCPAP 201 ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE VKFNWYVDGV 251 EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPI 301 EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVYTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWE 351 SNGQPENNYD TTPPVLDSDG SFFLYSDLTV DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL401 HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc heterodimer rather than either of thepossible homodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacinglysines with aspartic acids) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 159 may optionally be provided with the lysineremoved from the C-terminus.

The mature TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQID NO: 160) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed fromthe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 160) 1 TIPPHVQKSD VEMEAQKDEI ICPSCNRTAH PLRHINNDMIVTDNNGAVKF 51 PQLCKFCDVR FSTCDNQKSC MSNCSITSIC EKPQEVCVAV WRKNDENITL 101ETVCHDPKLP YHDFILEDAA SPKCIMKEKK KPGETFFMCS CSSDECNDNI 151 IFSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT 201 PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVL 251 TVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP QVYTLPPSRE 301 EMTKNQVSLT CLVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYDTTPPVLDSDGSFFL 351 YSDLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 120and SEQ ID NO: 160, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line to give rise to a heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 asSEQ ID NOs: 151-152.

The polypeptide sequence of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein and anucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 24 as SEQ IDNOs: 130-132.

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 152and SEQ ID NO: 132, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified froma CHO cell line to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 14 as SEQ ID NOs409-410.

The complementary form of TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ IDNO: 461) is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 461) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGATIPPHV QKSDVEMEAQKDEIICPSCN 51 RTAHPLRHIN NDMIVTDNNG AVKFPQLCKF CDVRFSTCDN QKSCMSNCSI 101TSICEKPQEV CVAVWRKNDE NITLETVCHD PKLPYHDFIL EDAASPKCIM 151 KEKKKPGETFFMCSCSSDEC NDNIIFSEEY NTSNPDTGGG THTCPPCPAP 201 ELLGGPSVFL FPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCV VVDVSHEDPE VKFNWYVDGV 251 EVHNAKTKPR EEQYNSTYRV VSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCK VSNKALPAPI 301 EKTISKAKGQ PREPQVCTLP PSREEMTKNQ VSLSCAVKGFYPSDIAVEWE 351 SNGQPENNYK TTPPVLDSDG SFFLVSKLTV DKSRWQQGNV FSCSVMHEAL401 HNHYTQKSLS LSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ActRIIA-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 409-410,four amino acid substitutions can be introduced into the Fc domain ofthe ActRIIB-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underlineabove. The amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 461 may optionally beprovided with the lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 462) isas follows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed fromthe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 462) 1 TIPPHVQKSD VEMEAQKDEI ICPSCNRTAH PLRHINNDMIVTDNNGAVKF 51 PQLCKFCDVR FSTCDNQKSC MSNCSITSIC EKPQEVCVAV WRKNDENITL 101ETVCHDPKLP YHDFILEDAA SPKCIMKEKK KPGETFFMCS CSSDECNDNI 151 IFSEEYNTSNPDTGGGTHTC PPCPAPELLG GPSVFLFPPK PKDTLMISRT 201 PEVTCVVVDV SHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHN AKTKPREEQY NSTYRVVSVL 251 TVLHQDWLNG KEYKCKVSNK ALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREP QVCTLPPSRE 301 EMTKNQVSLS CAVKGFYPSD IAVEWESNGQ PENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFL 351 VSKLTVDKSR WQQGNVFSCS VMHEALHNHY TQKSLSLSPG K

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 410 and SEQID NO: 462, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc: TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theActRIIA-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 30 as SEQ ID NOs:451-452.

The polypeptide sequence of the TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc fusion protein isprovided in Example 24 as SEQ ID NOs: 417-418.

The ActRIIA-Fc and TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 452 and SEQID NO: 418, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHOcell line, to give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc.

Purification of various ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc complexes could beachieved by a series of column chromatography steps, including, forexample, three or more of the following, in any order: protein Achromatography, Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharosechromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and cation exchangechromatography. The purification could be completed with viralfiltration and buffer exchange.

Example 35. Generation of Additional Heterodimers Comprising Two Type IIReceptors

Formation of additional heterdimeric protein complexes comprisingextracellular domains of two type II receptors may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 30. Amino acid SEQ IDNOs for these variant heterodimers are disclosed in the following table,which for completeness also includes the heterodimers already discussedthat comprise two type II receptors (Examples 30-34). As disclosed inExamples 30-34, the C-terminal lysine of each receptor-Fc fusion proteinmay optionally be included or omitted.

In each case, a soluble heteromeric complex can be generated comprisingthe extracellular domains (ECD) of two different type II receptors,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. In each case, the fusionproteins may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line to giverise to a variant heteromeric protein complex. In each case,purification of various heteromeric complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

TABLE “Type II:Type II Receptor Heterodimers” Amino Acid SEQ ID NOs forType II:Type II Receptor Heterodimers Amino Acid Heteromeric ECD SEQ IDNO Fusion Protein Correspondence Receptor-Fc With Complex Fc Pair Typeto Fc Pair Fusion Protein Leader Mature ActRIIA-Fc:ActRIIB-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 ActRIIB-Fc 153 154 B ActRIIA-Fc 151152 ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 ActRIIB-Fc 453454 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ActRIIA-Fc:BMPRII-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 BMPRII-Fc 155 156 B ActRIIA-Fc 151152 BMPRII-Fc 121 123 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 BMPRII-Fc 455 456B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 BMPRII-Fc 411 412 ActRIIA-Fc:MISRII-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 MISRII-Fc 161 162 B ActRIIA-Fc 151152 MISRII-Fc 133 135 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 MISRII-Fc 457 458B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 MISRII-Fc 419 420 ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 157 158 BActRIIA-Fc 151 152 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 127 129 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc409 410 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 459 460 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 415 416 ActRIIA-Fc:TGFβRII LONG -Fc Electrostatic AActRIIA-Fc 118 120 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 159 160 B ActRIIA-Fc 151 152 TGFβRIILONG -Fc 130 132 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 461462 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 417 418 ActRIIB-Fc:BMPRII-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 BMPRII-Fc 155 156 B ActRIIB-Fc 153154 BMPRII-Fc 121 123 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 BMPRII-Fc 455 456B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454 BMPRII-Fc 411 412 ActRIIB-Fc:MISRII-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 MISRII-Fc 161 162 B ActRIIB-Fc 153154 MISRII-Fc 133 135 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 MISRII-Fc 457 458B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454 MISRII-Fc 419 420 ActRIIB-Fc:TGFβRII_(SHORT)-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 157 158 BActRIIB-Fc 153 154 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 127 129 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc401 402 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 459 460 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 415 416 ActRIIB-Fc:TGFβRII LONG -Fc Electrostatic AActRIIB-Fc 100 102 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 159 160 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154 TGFβRIILONG -Fc 130 132 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 461462 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 417 418 BMPRII-Fc:MISRII-FcElectrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123 MISRII-Fc 161 162 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156MISRII-Fc 133 135 Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412 MISRII-Fc 457 458 BBMPRII-Fc 455 456 MISRII-Fc 419 420 BMPRII-Fc:TGFβRII SHORT -FcElectrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 157 158 B BMPRII-Fc155 156 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 127 129 Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 459 460 B BMPRII-Fc 455 456 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 415 416BMPRII-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc Electrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 159 160 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 130 132Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 461 462 B BMPRII-Fc455 456 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 417 418 MISRII-Fc:TGFβRII SHORT -FcElectrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 157 158 B MISRII-Fc161 162 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 127 129 Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 459 460 B MISRII-Fc 457 458 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 415 416MISRII-Fc:TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc Electrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 159 160 B MISRII-Fc 161 162 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 130 132Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 461 462 B MISRII-Fc457 458 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 417 418 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc:TGFβRII LONG -FcElectrostatic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 127 129 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 159 160 BTGFβRII SHORT -Fc 157 158 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 130 132 Hydrophobic A TGFβRIISHORT -Fc 415 416 TGFβRII LONG -Fc 461 462 B TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 459 460TGFβRII LONG -Fc 417 418

Example 36. Generation of an ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ALK1 and human ALK2, whichare each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as ALK1-Fc and ALK2-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 1.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ALK1-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided above inExample 16 as SEQ ID NOs: 124-126.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK2-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 173) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 173) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAMEDEKP KVNPKLYMCVCEGLSCGNED 51 HCEGQQCFSS LSINDGFHVY QKGCFQVYEQ GKMTCKTPPS PGQAVECCQG 101DWCNRNITAQ LPTKGKSFPG TQNFHLETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVYTL PPSRKEMTKN QVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 KTTPPVLKSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPG

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 173 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK2-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:174) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added to theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 174) 1 MEDEKPKVNP KLYMCVCEGL SCGNEDHCEG QQCFSSLSINDGFHVYQKGC 51 FQVYEQGKMT CKTPPSPGQA VECCQGDWCN RNITAQLPTK GKSFPGTQNF 101HLETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR KEMTKNQVSL 251 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTPPVLKSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The ALK1-Fc and ALK2-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 126 and SEQ ID NO:174, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are both linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, an alternative polypeptidesequence of the ALK1-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO: 171) employs the TPAleader and is as follows.

(SEQ ID NO: 171) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGADPVKPS RGPLVTCTCESPHCKGPTCR 51 GAWCTVVLVR EEGRHPQEHR GCGNLHRELC RGRPTEFVNH YCCDSHLCNH 101NVSLVLEATQ PPSEQPGTDG QLATGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVYTLPPSR KEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP 301 PVLKSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 G

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 171 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK1-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:172) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added to theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 172) 1 DPVKPSRGPL VTCTCESPHC KGPTCRGAWC TVVLVREEGRHPQEHRGCGN 51 LHRELCRGRP TEFVNHYCCD SHLCNHNVSL VLEATQPPSE QPGTDGQLAT 101GGGTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE 151 DPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY 201 KCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVY TLPPSRKEMT KNQVSLTCLV 251 KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLKSDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ 301 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPG

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK2-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 9 as SEQ ID NOs:136-138.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK2-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO:138, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs:413-414.

The complementary form of ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 465) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 465) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAMEDEKP KVNPKLYMCVCEGLSCGNED 51 HCEGQQCFSS LSINDGFHVY QKGCFQVYEQ GKMTCKTPPS PGQAVECCQG 101DWCNRNITAQ LPTKGKSFPG TQNFHLETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVYTL PPCREEMTKN QVSLWCLVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 413-414,two amino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK2-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 465 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK2-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 466) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 466) 1 MEDEKPKVNP KLYMCVCEGL SCGNEDHCEG QQCFSSLSINDGFHVYQKGC 51 FQVYEQGKMT CKTPPSPGQA VECCQGDWCN RNITAQLPTK GKSFPGTQNF 101HLETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPCR EEMTKNQVSL 251 WCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The ALK1-Fc and ALK2-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 414 and SEQ ID NO: 466,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, an alternative polypeptide sequence of theALK1-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO: 463) employs the TPA leader and is asfollows.

(SEQ ID NO: 463) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGADPVKPS RGPLVTCTCESPHCKGPTCR 51 GAWCTVVLVR EEGRHPQEHR GCGNLHRELC RGRPTEFVNH YCCDSHLCNH 101NVSLVLEATQ PPSEQPGTDG QLATGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP 151 KPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVD VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ 201 YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE 251 PQVYTLPPCR EEMTKNQVSL WCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP 301 PVLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSP 351 GK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK2-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs 421-422, twoamino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 463 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK1-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:464) and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 464) 1 DPVKPSRGPL VTCTCESPHC KGPTCRGAWC TVVLVREEGRHPQEHRGCGN 51 LHRELCRGRP TEFVNHYCCD SHLCNHNVSL VLEATQPPSE QPGTDGQLAT 101GGGTHTCPPC PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE 151 DPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKT KPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY 201 KCKVSNKALP APIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVY TLPPCREEMT KNQVSLWCLV 251 KGFYPSDIAV EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSK LTVDKSRWQQ 301 GNVFSCSVMH EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK2-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 9 as SEQ ID NOs: 421-422.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK2-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 464 and SEQ ID NO: 422,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc.

Purification of various ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 37. Generation of an ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ALK1 and human ALK3, whichare each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as ALK1-Fc and ALK3-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 36.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ALK1-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example16 as SEQ ID NOs: 124-126.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK3-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 175) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 175) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAQNLDSM LHGTGMKSDSDQKKSENGVT 51 LAPEDTLPFL KCYCSGHCPD DAINNTCITN GHCFAIIEED DQGETTLASG 101CMKYEGSDFQ CKDSPKAQLR RTIECCRTNL CNQYLQPTLP PVVIGPFFDG 151 SIRTGGGTHTCPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 201 VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 251 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSR KEMTKNQVSL 301 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP PVLKSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKS 351 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 175 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK3-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:176) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added to theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 176) 1 GAQNLDSMLH GTGMKSDSDQ KKSENGVTLA PEDTLPFLKCYCSGHCPDDA 51 INNTCITNGH CFAIIEEDDQ GETTLASGCM KYEGSDFQCK DSPKAQLRRT 101IECCRTNLCN QYLQPTLPPV VIGPFFDGSI RTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG 151 PSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNW YVDGVEVHNA 201 KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS 251 KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPSRKE MTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP 301 ENNYKTTPPV LKSDGSFFLY SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYT 351 QKSLSLSPG

The ALK1-Fc and ALK3-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 126 and SEQ ID NO:176, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQID NOs: 171-172.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK3-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 4 as SEQ ID NOs:115-117.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK3-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO:117, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs413-414.

The complementary form of ALK3-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 467) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 467) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAQNLDSM LHGTGMKSDSDQKKSENGVT 51 LAPEDTLPFL KCYCSGHCPD DAINNTCITN GHCFAIIEED DQGETTLASG 101CMKYEGSDFQ CKDSPKAQLR RTIECCRTNL CNQYLQPTLP PVVIGPFFDG 151 SIRTGGGTHTCPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 201 VSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 251 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPCR EEMTKNQVSL 301 WCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKS 351 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 413-414,two amino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK3-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 467 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK3-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 468) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 468) 1 GAQNLDSMLH GTGMKSDSDQ KKSENGVTLA PEDTLPFLKCYCSGHCPDDA 51 INNTCITNGH CFAIIEEDDQ GETTLASGCM KYEGSDFQCK DSPKAQLRRT 101IECCRTNLCN QYLQPTLPPV VIGPFFDGSI RTGGGTHTCP PCPAPELLGG 151 PSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTP EVTCVVVDVS HEDPEVKFNW YVDGVEVHNA 201 KTKPREEQYN STYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGK EYKCKVSNKA LPAPIEKTIS 251 KAKGQPREPQ VYTLPPCREE MTKNQVSLWCLVKGFYPSDI AVEWESNGQP 301 ENNYKTTPPV LDSDGSFFLY SKLTVDKSRW QQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYT 351 QKSLSLSPGK

The ALK1-Fc and ALK3-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 414 and SEQ ID NO: 468,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQ ID NOs: 463-464.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK3-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 4 as SEQ ID NOs: 407-408.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK3-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 464 and SEQ ID NO: 408,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc.

Purification of various ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 38. Generation of an ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ALK1 and human ALK4, whichare each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as ALK1-Fc and ALK4-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 36.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ALK1-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example16 as SEQ ID NOs: 124-126.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK4-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 177) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 177) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGPRGV QALLCACTSCLQANYTCETD 51 GACMVSIFNL DGMEHHVRTC IPKVELVPAG KPFYCLSSED LRNTHCCYTD 101YCNRIDLRVP SGHLKEPEHP SMWGPVETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVYTL PPSRKEMTKN QVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 KTTPPVLKSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPG

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 177 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK4-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:178) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added to theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 178) 1 SGPRGVQALL CACTSCLQAN YTCETDGACM VSIFNLDGMEHHVRTCIPKV 51 ELVPAGKPFY CLSSEDLRNT HCCYTDYCNR IDLRVPSGHL KEPEHPSMWG 101PVETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR KEMTKNQVSL 251 TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTPPVLKSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The ALK1-Fc and ALK4-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 126 and SEQ ID NO:178, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQID NOs: 171-172.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK4-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 1 as SEQ ID NOs:104-106.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK4-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO:106, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs413-414.

The complementary form of ALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 469) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 469) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGASGPRGV QALLCACTSCLQANYTCETD 51 GACMVSIFNL DGMEHHVRTC IPKVELVPAG KPFYCLSSED LRNTHCCYTD 101YCNRIDLRVP SGHLKEPEHP SMWGPVETGG GTHTCPPCPA PELLGGPSVF 151 LFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG VEVHNAKTKP 201 REEQYNSTYR VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP IEKTISKAKG 251 QPREPQVYTL PPCREEMTKN QVSLWCLVKGFYPSDIAVEW ESNGQPENNY 301 KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGN VFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSL 351 SLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 413-414,two amino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK4-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 469 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK4-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 470) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 470) 1 SGPRGVQALL CACTSCLQAN YTCETDGACM VSIFNLDGMEHHVRTCIPKV 51 ELVPAGKPFY CLSSEDLRNT HCCYTDYCNR IDLRVPSGHL KEPEHPSMWG 101PVETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR TPEVTCVVVD 151 VSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV LTVLHQDWLN 201 GKEYKCKVSN KALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPCR EEMTKNQVSL 251 WCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNG QPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFF LYSKLTVDKS 301 RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The ALK1-Fc and ALK4-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 414 and SEQ ID NO: 470,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQ ID NOs: 463-464.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK4-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 1 as SEQ ID NOs: 403-404.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK4-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 464 and SEQ ID NO: 404,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc.

Purification of various ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 39. Generation of an ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ALK1 and human ALK5, whichare each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as ALK1-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 36.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ALK1-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example16 as SEQ ID NOs: 124-126.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK5-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 179) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 179) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAALLPGA TALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVTD 51 GLCFVSVTET TDKVIHNSMC IAEIDLIPRD RPFVCAPSSK TGSVTTTYCC 101NQDHCNKIEL PTTVKSSPGL GPVETGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP 151 PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV DVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE 201 QYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVS NKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR 251 EPQVYTLPPS RKEMTKNQVS LTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESN GQPENNYKTT 301 PPVLKSDGSF FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS 351 PG

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 179 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK5-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:180) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added to theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 180) 1 ALLPGATALQ CFCHLCTKDN FTCVTDGLCF VSVTETTDKVIHNSMCIAEI 51 DLIPRDRPFV CAPSSKTGSV TTTYCCNQDH CNKIELPTTV KSSPGLGPVE 101TGGGTHTCPP CPAPELLGGP SVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH 151 EDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNS TYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE 201 YKCKVSNKAL PAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPSRKEM TKNQVSLTCL 251 VKGFYPSDIA VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVLKSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQ 301 QGNVFSCSVM HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPG

The ALK1-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 126 and SEQ ID NO:180, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQID NOs: 171-172.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK5-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 11 as SEQ ID NOs:139-141.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK5-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO:141, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs413-414.

The complementary form of ALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 471) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 471) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAALLPGA TALQCFCHLCTKDNFTCVTD 51 GLCFVSVTET TDKVIHNSMC IAEIDLIPRD RPFVCAPSSK TGSVTTTYCC 101NQDHCNKIEL PTTVKSSPGL GPVETGGGTH TCPPCPAPEL LGGPSVFLFP 151 PKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVV DVSHEDPEVK FNWYVDGVEV HNAKTKPREE 201 QYNSTYRVVS VLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVS NKALPAPIEK TISKAKGQPR 251 EPQVYTLPPC REEMTKNQVS LWCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESN GQPENNYKTT 301 PPVLDSDGSF FLYSKLTVDK SRWQQGNVFS CSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLS 351 PGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 413-414,two amino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK5-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK5-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 472) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 472) 1 ALLPGATALQ CFCHLCTKDN FTCVTDGLCF VSVTETTDKVIHNSMCIAEI 51 DLIPRDRPFV CAPSSKTGSV TTTYCCNQDH CNKIELPTTV KSSPGLGPVE 101TGGGTHTCPP CPAPELLGGP SVFLFPPKPK DTLMISRTPE VTCVVVDVSH 151 EDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAK TKPREEQYNS TYRVVSVLTV LHQDWLNGKE 201 YKCKVSNKAL PAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQV YTLPPCREEM TKNQVSLWCL 251 VKGFYPSDIA VEWESNGQPE NNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYS KLTVDKSRWQ 301 QGNVFSCSVM HEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK

The ALK1-Fc and ALK5-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 414 and SEQ ID NO: 472,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQ ID NOs: 463-464.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK5-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 16 as SEQ ID NOs: 423-424.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK5-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 464 and SEQ ID NO: 424,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc.

Purification of various ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 40. Generation of an ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ALK1 and human ALK6, whichare each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as ALK1-Fc and ALK6-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 36.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ALK1-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example16 as SEQ ID NOs: 124-126.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK6-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 181) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 181) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAKKEDGE STAPTPRPKVLRCKCHHHCP 51 EDSVNNICST DGYCFTMIEE DDSGLPVVTS GCLGLEGSDF QCRDTPIPHQ 101RRSIECCTER NECNKDLHPT LPPLKNRDFV DGPIHHRTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTL PPSRKEMTKNQVSLTCLVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLKSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPG

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 181 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK6-Fc fusion protein sequence is as follows (SEQ ID NO:182) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added to theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 182) 1 KKEDGESTAP TPRPKVLRCK CHHHCPEDSV NNICSTDGYCFTMIEEDDSG 51 LPVVTSGCLG LEGSDFQCRD TPIPHQRRSI ECCTERNECN KDLHPTLPPL 101KNRDFVDGPI HHRTGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR 251 KEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTP PVLKSDGSFF 301 LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The ALK1-Fc and ALK6-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 126 and SEQ ID NO:182, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQID NOs: 171-172.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK6-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 13 as SEQ ID NOs:142-144.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK6-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO:144, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs413-414.

The complementary form of ALK6-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 473) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 473) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAKKEDGE STAPTPRPKVLRCKCHHHCP 51 EDSVNNICST DGYCFTMIEE DDSGLPVVTS GCLGLEGSDF QCRDTPIPHQ 101RRSIECCTER NECNKDLHPT LPPLKNRDFV DGPIHHRTGG GTHTCPPCPA 151 PELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTL MISRTPEVTC VVVDVSHEDP EVKFNWYVDG 201 VEVHNAKTKP REEQYNSTYRVVSVLTVLHQ DWLNGKEYKC KVSNKALPAP 251 IEKTISKAKG QPREPQVYTL PPCREEMTKNQVSLWCLVKG FYPSDIAVEW 301 ESNGQPENNY KTTPPVLDSD GSFFLYSKLT VDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEA 351 LHNHYTQKSL SLSPGK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 413-414,two amino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK6-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 473 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK6-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 474) is asfollows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removed from theC-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 474) 1 KKEDGESTAP TPRPKVLRCK CHHHCPEDSV NNICSTDGYCFTMIEEDDSG 51 LPVVTSGCLG LEGSDFQCRD TPIPHQRRSI ECCTERNECN KDLHPTLPPL 101KNRDFVDGPI HHRTGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPCR 251 EEMTKNQVSL WCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFF 301 LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The ALK1-Fc and ALK6-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 414 and SEQ ID NO: 474,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQ ID NOs: 463-464.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK6-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 13 as SEQ ID NOs: 425-426.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK6-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 464 and SEQ ID NO: 426,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc.

Purification of various ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 41. Generation of an ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc Heterodimer

A soluble ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc heteromeric complex can be generatedcomprising the extracellular domains of human ALK1 and human ALK7, whichare each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. The individual constructs arereferred to as ALK1-Fc and ALK7-Fc fusion proteins, respectively.

Formation of heteromeric ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc may be guided by approachessimilar to those described in Example 36.

Electrostatic Approach

In a first approach, the polypeptide sequence of the ALK1-Fc fusionprotein and a nucleic acid sequence encoding it are provided in Example16 as SEQ ID NOs: 124-126.

The polypeptide sequence of the complementary ALK7-Fc fusion protein(SEQ ID NO: 183) employs the TPA leader and is as follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 183) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTCQTEGACWASV 51 MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP 101TASPNAPKLG PMETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPSR 251 KEMTKNQVSL TCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTP PVLKSDGSFF 301 LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP G

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To promote formation ofthe ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc heterodimer rather than either of the possiblehomodimeric complexes, two amino acid substitutions (replacing acidicamino acids with lysines) can be introduced into the Fc domain of thefusion protein as indicated by double underline above. The amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 183 may optionally be provided with a lysineadded to the C-terminus.

The mature ALK7-Fc fusion protein sequence is expected to be as follows(SEQ ID NO: 184) and may optionally be provided with a lysine added tothe C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 184) 1 GLKCVCLLCD SSNFTCQTEG ACWASVMLTN GKEQVIKSCVSLPELNAQVF 51 CHSSNNVTKT ECCFTDFCNN ITLHLPTASP NAPKLGPMET GGGTHTCPPC 101PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 151 DGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 201 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVYTLPPSRKEMT KNQVSLTCLV KGFYPSDIAV 251 EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLK SDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH 301 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPG

The ALK1-Fc and ALK7-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 126 and SEQ ID NO:184, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc.

Reverse Electrostatic Approach

In a reverse approach, receptor extracellular domains are linked to theopposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the firstapproach described above. In this example, the alternative polypeptidesequence of the ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQID NOs: 171-172.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK7-Fc fusion protein and a nucleicacid sequence encoding it are provided in Example 7 as SEQ ID NOs:112-114.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK7-Fc fusion proteins of SEQ ID NO: 172 and SEQ ID NO:114, respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell lineto give rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprisingALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc.

Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond. The polypeptide sequence ofthe ALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 16 as SEQ ID NOs413-414.

The complementary form of ALK7-Fc fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 475) isas follows:

(SEQ ID NO: 475) 1 MDAMKRGLCC VLLLCGAVFV SPGAGLKCVC LLCDSSNFTCQTEGACWASV 51 MLTNGKEQVI KSCVSLPELN AQVFCHSSNN VTKTECCFTD FCNNITLHLP 101TASPNAPKLG PMETGGGTHT CPPCPAPELL GGPSVFLFPP KPKDTLMISR 151 TPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKF NWYVDGVEVH NAKTKPREEQ YNSTYRVVSV 201 LTVLHQDWLN GKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKT ISKAKGQPRE PQVYTLPPCR 251 EEMTKNQVSL WCLVKGFYPS DIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTP PVLDSDGSFF 301 LYSKLTVDKS RWQQGNVFSC SVMHEALHNH YTQKSLSLSP GK

The leader and linker sequences are underlined. To guide heterodimerformation with the ALK1-Fc fusion polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 413-414,two amino acid substitutions (replacing a serine with a cysteine and athreonine with a tryptophan) can be introduced into the Fc domain of theALK7-Fc fusion polypeptide as indicated by double underline above. Theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 475 may optionally be provided withthe lysine removed from the C-terminus.

The mature ALK7-Fc fusion protein sequence (SEQ ID NO: 476) is expectedto be as follows and may optionally be provided with the lysine removedfrom the C-terminus.

(SEQ ID NO: 476) 1 GLKCVCLLCD SSNFTCQTEG ACWASVMLTN GKEQVIKSCVSLPELNAQVF 51 CHSSNNVTKT ECCFTDFCNN ITLHLPTASP NAPKLGPMET GGGTHTCPPC 101PAPELLGGPS VFLFPPKPKD TLMISRTPEV TCVVVDVSHE DPEVKFNWYV 151 DGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNST YRVVSVLTVL HQDWLNGKEY KCKVSNKALP 201 APIEKTISKA KGQPREPQVYTLPPCREEMT KNQVSLWCLV KGFYPSDIAV 251 EWESNGQPEN NYKTTPPVLD SDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQ GNVFSCSVMH 301 EALHNHYTQK SLSLSPGK

The ALK1-Fc and ALK7-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 414 and SEQ ID NO: 476,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc.

Reverse Hydrophobic Approach

In another approach to promoting the formation of heteromultimercomplexes using asymmetric Fc fusion proteins, the Fc domains arealtered to introduce complementary hydrophobic interactions and anadditional intermolecular disulfide bond as described immediately above.However, receptor extracellular domains in this approach are linked tothe opposite member of the Fc interaction pair compared to the aboveapproach. In this example, the alternative polypeptide sequence of theALK1-Fc fusion protein is provided in Example 36 as SEQ ID NOs: 463-464.

The polypeptide sequence of the ALK7-Fc fusion protein is provided inExample 7 as SEQ ID NOs: 405-406.

The ALK1-Fc and ALK7-Fc proteins of SEQ ID NO: 464 and SEQ ID NO: 406,respectively, may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line, togive rise to a variant heteromeric complex comprising ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc.

Purification of various ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc complexes could be achieved by aseries of column chromatography steps, including, for example, three ormore of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography, Qsepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, size exclusionchromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. The purificationcould be completed with viral filtration and buffer exchange.

Example 42. Generation of Additional Heterodimers Comprising Two Type IReceptors

Formation of additional heterdimeric protein complexes comprisingextracellular domains of two type I receptors may be guided byapproaches similar to those described in Example 36. Amino acid SEQ IDNOs for these variant heterodimers are disclosed in the following table,which for completeness also includes the heterodimers already discussedthat comprise two type I receptors (Examples 36-41). As disclosed inExamples 36-41, the C-terminal lysine of each receptor-Fc fusion proteinmay optionally be included or omitted.

In each case, a soluble heteromeric complex can be generated comprisingthe extracellular domains of two different type I receptors, which areeach fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned between theextracellular domain and the Fc domain. In each case, the fusionproteins may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line to giverise to a variant heteromeric protein complex. In each case,purification of various heteromeric protein complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

TABLE “Type I:Type I Receptor Heterodimers” Amino Acid SEQ ID NOs forType I:Type I Receptor Heterodimers Amino Acid Heteromeric ECD SEQ ID NOFusion Protein Correspondence Receptor-Fc With Complex Fc Pair Type toFc Pair Fusion Protein Leader Mature ALK1-Fc:ALK2-Fc Electrostatic AALK1-Fc 124 126 ALK2-Fc 173 174 B ALK1-Fc 171 172 ALK2-Fc 136 138Hydrophobic A ALK1-Fc 413 414 ALK2-Fc 465 466 B ALK1-Fc 463 464 ALK2-Fc421 422 ALK1-Fc:ALK3-Fc Electrostatic A ALK1-Fc 124 126 ALK3-Fc 175 176B ALK1-Fc 171 172 ALK3-Fc 115 117 Hydrophobic A ALK1-Fc 413 414 ALK3-Fc467 468 B ALK1-Fc 463 464 ALK3-Fc 407 408 ALK1-Fc:ALK4-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK1-Fc 124 126 ALK4-Fc 177 178 B ALK1-Fc 171 172 ALK4-Fc 104 106Hydrophobic A ALK1-Fc 413 414 ALK4-Fc 469 470 B ALK1-Fc 463 464 ALK4-Fc403 404 ALK1-Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic A ALK1-Fc 124 126 ALK5-Fc 179 180B ALK1-Fc 171 172 ALK5-Fc 139 141 Hydrophobic A ALK1-Fc 413 414 ALK5-Fc471 472 B ALK1-Fc 463 464 ALK5-Fc 423 424 ALK1-Fc:ALK6-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK1-Fc 124 126 ALK6-Fc 181 182 B ALK1-Fc 171 172 ALK6-Fc 142 144Hydrophobic A ALK1-Fc 413 414 ALK6-Fc 473 474 B ALK1-Fc 463 464 ALK6-Fc425 426 ALK1-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic A ALK1-Fc 124 126 ALK7-Fc 183 184B ALK1-Fc 171 172 ALK7-Fc 112 114 Hydrophobic A ALK1-Fc 413 414 ALK7-Fc475 476 B ALK1-Fc 463 464 ALK7-Fc 405 406 ALK2-Fc:ALK3-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK2-Fc 136 138 ALK3-Fc 175 176 B ALK2-Fc 173 174 ALK3-Fc 115 117Hydrophobic A ALK2-Fc 421 422 ALK3-Fc 467 468 B ALK2-Fc 465 466 ALK3-Fc407 408 ALK2-Fc:ALK4-Fc Electrostatic A ALK2-Fc 136 138 ALK4-Fc 177 178B ALK2-Fc 173 174 ALK4-Fc 104 106 Hydrophobic A ALK2-Fc 421 422 ALK4-Fc469 470 B ALK2-Fc 465 466 ALK4-Fc 403 404 ALK2-Fc:ALK5-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK2-Fc 136 138 ALK5-Fc 179 180 B ALK2-Fc 173 174 ALK5-Fc 139 141Hydrophobic A ALK2-Fc 421 422 ALK5-Fc 471 472 B ALK2-Fc 465 466 ALK5-Fc423 424 ALK2-Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic A ALK2-Fc 136 138 ALK6-Fc 181 182B ALK2-Fc 173 174 ALK6-Fc 142 144 Hydrophobic A ALK2-Fc 421 422 ALK6-Fc473 474 B ALK2-Fc 465 466 ALK6-Fc 425 426 ALK2-Fc:ALK7-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK2-Fc 136 138 ALK7-Fc 183 184 B ALK2-Fc 173 174 ALK7-Fc 112 114Hydrophobic A ALK2-Fc 421 422 ALK7-Fc 475 476 B ALK2-Fc 465 466 ALK7-Fc405 406 ALK3-Fc:ALK4-Fc Electrostatic A ALK3-Fc 115 117 ALK4-Fc 177 178B ALK3-Fc 175 176 ALK4-Fc 104 106 Hydrophobic A ALK3-Fc 407 408 ALK4-Fc469 470 B ALK3-Fc 467 468 ALK4-Fc 403 404 ALK3-Fc:ALK5-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK3-Fc 115 117 ALK5-Fc 179 180 B ALK3-Fc 175 176 ALK5-Fc 139 141Hydrophobic A ALK3-Fc 407 408 ALK5-Fc 471 472 B ALK3-Fc 467 468 ALK5-Fc423 424 ALK3-Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic A ALK3-Fc 115 117 ALK6-Fc 181 182B ALK3-Fc 175 176 ALK6-Fc 142 144 Hydrophobic A ALK3-Fc 407 408 ALK6-Fc473 474 B ALK3-Fc 467 468 ALK6-Fc 425 426 ALK3-Fc:ALK7-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK3-Fc 115 117 ALK7-Fc 183 184 B ALK3-Fc 175 176 ALK7-Fc 112 114Hydrophobic A ALK3-Fc 407 408 ALK7-Fc 475 476 B ALK3-Fc 467 468 ALK7-Fc405 406 ALK4-Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic A ALK4-Fc 104 106 ALK5-Fc 179 180B ALK4-Fc 177 178 ALK5-Fc 139 141 Hydrophobic A ALK4-Fc 403 404 ALK5-Fc471 472 B ALK4-Fc 469 470 ALK5-Fc 423 424 ALK4-Fc:ALK6-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK4-Fc 104 106 ALK6-Fc 181 182 B ALK4-Fc 177 178 ALK6-Fc 142 144Hydrophobic A ALK4-Fc 403 404 ALK6-Fc 473 474 B ALK4-Fc 469 470 ALK6-Fc425 426 ALK4-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic A ALK4-Fc 104 106 ALK7-Fc 183 184B ALK4-Fc 177 178 ALK7-Fc 112 114 Hydrophobic A ALK4-Fc 403 404 ALK7-Fc475 476 B ALK4-Fc 469 470 ALK7-Fc 405 406 ALK5-Fc:ALK6-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK5-Fc 139 141 ALK6-Fc 181 182 B ALK5-Fc 179 180 ALK6-Fc 142 144Hydrophobic A ALK5-Fc 423 424 ALK6-Fc 473 474 B ALK5-Fc 471 472 ALK6-Fc425 426 ALK5-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic A ALK5-Fc 139 141 ALK7-Fc 183 184B ALK5-Fc 179 180 ALK7-Fc 112 114 Hydrophobic A ALK5-Fc 423 424 ALK7-Fc475 476 B ALK5-Fc 471 472 ALK7-Fc 405 406 ALK6-Fc:ALK7-Fc ElectrostaticA ALK6-Fc 142 144 ALK7-Fc 183 184 B ALK6-Fc 181 182 ALK7-Fc 112 114Hydrophobic A ALK6-Fc 425 426 ALK7-Fc 475 476 B ALK6-Fc 473 474 ALK7-Fc405 406

Example 43. Generation of Additional Heterodimers Comprising a Type IReceptor and a Type II Receptor

Formation of additional heterdimeric protein complexes comprisingextracellular domains of a type I receptor and a type II receptor may beguided by approaches similar to those described in Example 1. Amino acidSEQ ID NOs for these variant heterodimers are disclosed in the followingtable, which for completeness also includes the heterodimers alreadydiscussed that comprise a type I receptor and a type II receptor(Examples 1-29). As disclosed in Examples 1-29, the C-terminal lysine ofeach receptor-Fc fusion protein may optionally be included or omitted.

In each case, a soluble heteromeric complex can be generated comprisingthe extracellular domains of a type I receptor and a type II receptor,which are each fused to an Fc domain with a linker positioned betweenthe extracellular domain and the Fc domain. In each case, the fusionproteins may be co-expressed and purified from a CHO cell line to giverise to a variant heteromeric protein complex. In each case,purification of various heteromeric protein complexes could be achievedby a series of column chromatography steps, including, for example,three or more of the following, in any order: protein A chromatography,Q sepharose chromatography, phenylsepharose chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and cation exchange chromatography. Thepurification could be completed with viral filtration and bufferexchange.

TABLE “Type I:Type II Receptor Heterodimers” Amino Acid SEQ ID NOs forType I:Type II Receptor Heterodimers Amino Acid Heteromeric ECD SEQ IDNO Fusion Protein Correspondence Receptor-Fc With Complex Fc Pair Typeto Fc Pair Fusion Protein Leader Mature ActRIIA-Fc:ALK1-Fc ElectrostaticA ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 ALK1-Fc 124 126 B ActRIIA-Fc 151 152 ALK1-Fc 171172 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 ALK1-Fc 413 414 B ActRIIA-Fc 451452 ALK1-Fc 463 464 ActRIIA-Fc:ALK2-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118120 ALK2-Fc 136 138 B ActRIIA-Fc 151 152 ALK2-Fc 173 174 Hydrophobic AActRIIA-Fc 409 410 ALK2-Fc 421 422 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 ALK2-Fc 465 466ActRIIA-Fc:ALK3-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 ALK3-Fc 115 117 BActRIIA-Fc 151 152 ALK3-Fc 175 176 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410ALK3-Fc 407 408 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 ALK3-Fc 467 468 ActRIIA-Fc:ALK4-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 ALK4-Fc 104 106 B ActRIIA-Fc 151 152ALK4-Fc 177 178 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 ALK4-Fc 403 404 BActRIIA-Fc 451 452 ALK4-Fc 469 470 ActRIIA-Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic AActRIIA-Fc 118 120 ALK5-Fc 139 141 B ActRIIA-Fc 151 152 ALK5-Fc 179 180Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410 ALK5-Fc 423 424 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452ALK5-Fc 471 472 ActRIIA-Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120ALK6-Fc 142 144 B ActRIIA-Fc 151 152 ALK6-Fc 181 182 Hydrophobic AActRIIA-Fc 409 410 ALK6-Fc 425 426 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 ALK6-Fc 473 474ActRIIA-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIA-Fc 118 120 ALK7-Fc 112 114 BActRIIA-Fc 151 152 ALK7-Fc 183 184 Hydrophobic A ActRIIA-Fc 409 410ALK7-Fc 405 406 B ActRIIA-Fc 451 452 ALK7-Fc 475 476 ActRIIB-Fc:ALK1-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 ALK1-Fc 124 126 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154ALK1-Fc 171 172 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ALK1-Fc 413 414 BActRIIB-Fc 453 454 ALK1-Fc 463 464 ActRIIB-Fc:ALK2-Fc Electrostatic AActRIIB-Fc 100 102 ALK2-Fc 136 138 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154 ALK2-Fc 173 174Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ALK2-Fc 421 422 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454ALK2-Fc 465 466 ActRIIB-Fc:ALK3-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102ALK3-Fc 115 117 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154 ALK3-Fc 175 176 Hydrophobic AActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ALK3-Fc 407 408 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454 ALK3-Fc 467 468ActRIIB-Fc:ALK4-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 ALK4-Fc 104 106 BActRIIB-Fc 153 154 ALK4-Fc 177 178 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402ALK4-Fc 403 404 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454 ALK4-Fc 469 470 ActRIIB-Fc:ALK5-FcElectrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102 ALK5-Fc 139 141 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154ALK5-Fc 179 180 Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ALK5-Fc 423 424 BActRIIB-Fc 453 454 ALK5-Fc 471 472 ActRIIB-Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic AActRIIB-Fc 100 102 ALK6-Fc 142 144 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154 ALK6-Fc 181 182Hydrophobic A ActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ALK6-Fc 425 426 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454ALK6-Fc 473 474 ActRIIB-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic A ActRIIB-Fc 100 102ALK7-Fc 112 114 B ActRIIB-Fc 153 154 ALK7-Fc 183 184 Hydrophobic AActRIIB-Fc 401 402 ALK7-Fc 405 406 B ActRIIB-Fc 453 454 ALK7-Fc 475 476BMPRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc Electrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123 ALK1-Fc 124 126 BBMPRII-Fc 155 156 ALK1-Fc 171 172 Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412ALK1-Fc 413 414 B BMPRII-Fc 455 456 ALK1-Fc 463 464 BMPRII-Fc:ALK2-FcElectrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123 ALK2-Fc 136 138 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156ALK2-Fc 173 174 Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412 ALK2-Fc 421 422 BBMPRII-Fc 455 456 ALK2-Fc 465 466 BMPRII-Fc:ALK3-Fc Electrostatic ABMPRII-Fc 121 123 ALK3-Fc 115 117 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156 ALK3-Fc 175 176Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412 ALK3-Fc 407 408 B BMPRII-Fc 455 456ALK3-Fc 467 468 BMPRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc Electrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123ALK4-Fc 104 106 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156 ALK4-Fc 177 178 Hydrophobic ABMPRII-Fc 411 412 ALK4-Fc 403 404 B BMPRII-Fc 455 456 ALK4-Fc 469 470BMPRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123 ALK5-Fc 139 141 BBMPRII-Fc 155 156 ALK5-Fc 179 180 Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412ALK5-Fc 423 424 B BMPRII-Fc 455 456 ALK5-Fc 471 472 BMPRII-Fc:ALK6-FcElectrostatic A BMPRII-Fc 121 123 ALK6-Fc 142 144 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156ALK6-Fc 181 182 Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412 ALK6-Fc 425 426 BBMPRII-Fc 455 456 ALK6-Fc 473 474 BMPRII-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic ABMPRII-Fc 121 123 ALK7-Fc 112 114 B BMPRII-Fc 155 156 ALK7-Fc 183 184Hydrophobic A BMPRII-Fc 411 412 ALK7-Fc 405 406 B BMPRII-Fc 455 456ALK7-Fc 475 476 MISRII-Fc:ALK1-Fc Electrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135ALK1-Fc 124 126 B MISRII-Fc 161 162 ALK1-Fc 171 172 Hydrophobic AMISRII-Fc 419 420 ALK1-Fc 413 414 B MISRII-Fc 457 458 ALK1-Fc 463 464MISRII-Fc:ALK2-Fc Electrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135 ALK2-Fc 136 138 BMISRII-Fc 161 162 ALK2-Fc 173 174 Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420ALK2-Fc 421 422 B MISRII-Fc 457 458 ALK2-Fc 465 466 MISRII-Fc:ALK3-FcElectrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135 ALK3-Fc 115 117 B MISRII-Fc 161 162ALK3-Fc 175 176 Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420 ALK3-Fc 407 408 BMISRII-Fc 457 458 ALK3-Fc 467 468 MISRII-Fc:ALK4-Fc Electrostatic AMISRII-Fc 133 135 ALK4-Fc 104 106 B MISRII-Fc 161 162 ALK4-Fc 177 178Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420 ALK4-Fc 403 404 B MISRII-Fc 457 458ALK4-Fc 469 470 MISRII-Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135ALK5-Fc 139 141 B MISRII-Fc 161 162 ALK5-Fc 179 180 Hydrophobic AMISRII-Fc 419 420 ALK5-Fc 423 424 B MISRII-Fc 457 458 ALK5-Fc 471 472MISRII-Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135 ALK6-Fc 142 144 BMISRII-Fc 161 162 ALK6-Fc 181 182 Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420ALK6-Fc 425 426 B MISRII-Fc 457 458 ALK6-Fc 473 474 MISRII-Fc:ALK7-FcElectrostatic A MISRII-Fc 133 135 ALK7-Fc 112 114 B MISRII-Fc 161 162ALK7-Fc 183 184 Hydrophobic A MISRII-Fc 419 420 ALK7-Fc 405 406 BMISRII-Fc 457 458 ALK7-Fc 475 476 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc:ALK1-FcElectrostatic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 127 129 ALK1-Fc 124 126 B TGFβRIISHORT -Fc 157 158 ALK1-Fc 171 172 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 415416 ALK1-Fc 413 414 B TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 459 460 ALK1-Fc 463 464TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK2-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 127 129ALK2-Fc 136 138 B TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 157 158 ALK2-Fc 173 174 HydrophobicA TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 415 416 ALK2-Fc 421 422 B TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 459460 ALK2-Fc 465 466 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc:ALK3-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRIISHORT -Fc 127 129 ALK3-Fc 115 117 B TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 157 158 ALK3-Fc175 176 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 415 416 ALK3-Fc 407 408 BTGFβRII SHORT -Fc 459 460 ALK3-Fc 467 468 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK4-FcElectrostatic A TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 127 129 ALK4-Fc 104 106 BTGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 157 158 ALK4-Fc 177 178 Hydrophobic ATGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 415 416 ALK4-Fc 403 404 B TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 459 460ALK4-Fc 469 470 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRII SHORT-Fc 127 129 ALK5-Fc 139 141 B TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 157 158 ALK5-Fc 179 180Hydrophobic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 415 416 ALK5-Fc 423 424 B TGFβRII SHORT-Fc 459 460 ALK5-Fc 471 472 TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic ATGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 127 129 ALK6-Fc 142 144 B TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 157 158ALK6-Fc 181 182 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 415 416 ALK6-Fc 425 426B TGFβRII_(SHORT)-Fc 459 460 ALK6-Fc 473 474 TGFβRII SHORT -Fc:ALK7-FcElectrostatic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 127 129 ALK7-Fc 112 114 B TGFβRIISHORT -Fc 157 158 ALK7-Fc 183 184 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 415416 ALK7-Fc 405 406 B TGFβRII SHORT -Fc 459 460 ALK7-Fc 475 476TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK1-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 130 132ALK1-Fc 124 126 B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 159 160 ALK1-Fc 171 172 HydrophobicA TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 417 418 ALK1-Fc 413 414 B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 461 462ALK1-Fc 463 464 TGFβRII LONG -Fc:ALK2-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRII LONG-Fc 130 132 ALK2-Fc 136 138 B TGFβRII LONG -Fc 159 160 ALK2-Fc 173 174Hydrophobic A TGFβRII LONG -Fc 417 418 ALK2-Fc 421 422 B TGFβRII LONG-Fc 461 462 ALK2-Fc 465 466 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK3-Fc Electrostatic ATGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 130 132 ALK3-Fc 115 117 B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 159 160ALK3-Fc 175 176 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 417 418 ALK3-Fc 407 408B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 461 462 ALK3-Fc 467 468 TGFβRII LONG -Fc:ALK4-FcElectrostatic A TGFβRII LONG -Fc 130 132 ALK4-Fc 104 106 B TGFβRII LONG-Fc 159 160 ALK4-Fc 177 178 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII LONG -Fc 417 418ALK4-Fc 403 404 B TGFβRII LONG -Fc 461 462 ALK4-Fc 469 470TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK5-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 130 132ALK5-Fc 139 141 B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 159 160 ALK5-Fc 179 180 HydrophobicA TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 417 418 ALK5-Fc 423 424 B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 461 462ALK5-Fc 471 472 TGFβRII LONG -Fc:ALK6-Fc Electrostatic A TGFβRII LONG-Fc 130 132 ALK6-Fc 142 144 B TGFβRII LONG -Fc 159 160 ALK6-Fc 181 182Hydrophobic A TGFβRII LONG -Fc 417 418 ALK6-Fc 425 426 B TGFβRII LONG-Fc 461 462 ALK6-Fc 473 474 TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc:ALK7-Fc Electrostatic ATGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 130 132 ALK7-Fc 112 114 B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 159 160ALK7-Fc 183 184 Hydrophobic A TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 417 418 ALK7-Fc 405 406B TGFβRII_(LONG)-Fc 461 462 ALK7-Fc 475 476

In their entirety, these examples demonstrate that type I and type IIreceptor polypeptides, when placed in the context of a heteromericcomplex, form novel binding pockets that exhibit altered selectivityrelative to either type of homomeric complex, allowing the formation ofnovel protein agents for possible use as therapeutic agents.

We claim:
 1. A soluble recombinant heteromultimer comprising an ALK3polypeptide and an ActRIIB polypeptide, wherein the ALK3 polypeptide isa fusion protein comprising an ALK3 domain and a heterologous domain,wherein the ALK3 domain comprises an amino acid sequence that is atleast 90% identical to amino acids 61-130 of SEQ ID NO: 22, and whereinthe ActRIIB polypeptide is a fusion protein comprising an ActRIIB domainand a heterologous domain, wherein the ActRIIB domain comprises an aminoacid sequence that is at least 90% identical to amino acids 29-109 ofSEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the amino acid position in the ActRIIB polypeptidecorresponding to L79 of SEQ ID NO: 1 is not an aspartic acid (D); andwherein the heteromultimer binds to BMP2 and/or BMP4.
 2. Theheteromultimer of claim 1, wherein the heteromultimer is an ALK3:ActRIIBheterodimer.
 3. The heteromultimer of claim 1, wherein the heterologousdomain of the ALK3 polypeptide comprises a constant region from an IgGheavy chain, and wherein the heterologous domain of the ActRIIBpolypeptide comprises a constant region from an IgG heavy chain.
 4. Theheteromultimer of claim 3, wherein one or both of the constant regionsfrom the IgG heavy chain is an immunoglobulin Fc domain of IgG1immunoglobulin.
 5. The heteromultimer of claim 4, wherein theimmunoglobulin Fc domain comprises one or more amino acid mutations thatpromote heterodimer formation.
 6. The heteromultimer of claim 4, whereinthe immunoglobulin Fc domain comprises one or more amino acid mutationsthat inhibit homodimer formation.
 7. The heteromultimer of claim 1,wherein the ALK3 polypeptide and/or ActRIIB polypeptide comprises one ormore modified amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of:a glycosylated amino acid, a PEGylated amino acid, a farnesylated aminoacid, an acetylated amino acid, a biotinylated amino acid, and an aminoacid conjugated to a lipid moiety.
 8. The heteromultimer of claim 7,wherein the ALK3 polypeptide and/or ActRIIB polypeptide is glycosylatedand has a glycosylation pattern obtainable from expression of the type Ireceptor polypeptide in a CHO cell.
 9. A pharmaceutical preparationcomprising the heteromultimer of claim 1 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 10. The heteromultimer of claim 1, wherein the ALK3polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to amino acids 24-152 of SEQ ID NO:
 22. 11. The heteromultimerof claim 1, wherein the ALK3 polypeptide comprises an amino acidsequence that is at least 90% identical to a polypeptide that: a) beginsat any one of amino acids 24-61 of SEQ ID NO: 22, and b) ends at any oneof amino acids 130-152 of SEQ ID NO:
 22. 12. The heteromultimer of claim1, wherein the ALK3 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that isat least 90% identical to any one of SEQ ID Nos: 22, 23, 115, 117, 175,176, 407, 408, 467, and
 468. 13. The heteromultimer of claim 1, whereinthe ActRIIB polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is atleast 90% identical to a polypeptide that: a) begins at any one of aminoacids 20-29 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and b) ends at any one of amino acids109-134 of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 14. The heteromultimer of claim 1, wherein theActRIIB polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least90% identical to any one of SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 100, 102, 153,154, 401, 402, 453, and
 454. 15. The heteromultimer of claim 1, whereinthe ALK3 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least95% identical to amino acids 61-130 of SEQ ID NO: 22, and wherein theActRIIB polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least95% identical to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 16. Theheteromultimer of claim 1, wherein the ALK3 polypeptide comprises theamino acid sequence corresponding to amino acids 61-130 of SEQ ID NO:22, and wherein the ActRIIB polypeptide comprises the amino acidsequence corresponding to amino acids 29-109 of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 17. Theheteromultimer of claim 1, wherein the ALK3 polypeptide comprises anamino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and wherein the ActRIIB polypeptide comprisesan amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 18. The heteromultimer of claim 1, wherein theALK3 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and wherein theActRIIB polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least95% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 19. Theheteromultimer of claim 1, wherein the ALK3 polypeptide comprises theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23, and wherein the ActRIIBpolypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 2. 20. Theheteromultimer of claim 15, wherein the heterologous domain of the ALK3polypeptide and the heterologous domain of the ActRIIB polypeptide eachcomprises an Fc immunoglobulin domain, wherein the Fc immunoglobulindomain is an IgG1 immunoglobulin domain.
 21. The heteromultimer of claim16, wherein the heterologous domain of the ALK3 polypeptide and theheterologous domain of the ActRIIB polypeptide each comprises an Fcimmunoglobulin domain, wherein the Fc immunoglobulin domain is an IgG1immunoglobulin domain.
 22. The heteromultimer of claim 18, wherein theheterologous domain of the ALK3 polypeptide and the heterologous domainof the ActRIIB polypeptide each comprises an Fc immunoglobulin domain,wherein the Fc immunoglobulin domain is an IgG1 immunoglobulin domain.23. The heteromultimer of claim 19, wherein the heterologous domain ofthe ALK3 polypeptide and the heterologous domain of the ActRIIBpolypeptide each comprises an Fc immunoglobulin domain, wherein the Fcimmunoglobulin domain is an IgG1 immunoglobulin domain.
 24. Theheteromultimer of claim 15, wherein a linker domain is positionedbetween the ALK3 domain and the heterologous domain and/or a linkerdomain is positioned between the ActRIIB domain and the heterologousdomain.
 25. The heteromultimer of claim 16, wherein a linker domain ispositioned between the ALK3 domain and the heterologous domain and/or alinker domain is positioned between the ActRIIB domain and theheterologous domain.
 26. The heteromultimer of claim 18, wherein alinker domain is positioned between the ALK3 domain and the heterologousdomain and/or a linker domain is positioned between the ActRIIB domainand the heterologous domain.
 27. The heteromultimer of claim 19, whereina linker domain is positioned between the ALK3 domain and theheterologous domain and/or a linker domain is positioned between theActRIIB domain and the heterologous domain.